1. Pre-school Children Ann Heard Low Vision and Blind Support Email: heard.ann48@yahoo.com

2. AIM How can we assist a pre- school child with low vision to function at maximum visual potential

3. Pre-school child with Low Vision Child is usually unaware that he/she sees differently Requires careful observation Requires professional diagnosis and treatment Requires professional intervention

4. Team Support Needed Family - immediate and extended GP Ophthalmologist Geneticist Optometrist Low Vision Optometrist Orientation and Mobility Instructor Educator Specialist Educator Skills Developer Psychologist OT Audiologist Orthoptist Neurologist NGO Social Worker

5. Observing and Identifying Is child taking medicine? Are there emotional challenges? Are there physical challenges? Are there perceptual or intellectual challenges? Child’s self confidence level? Child’s self esteem and self image? Does child have support?

6. Look for Bloodshot Cloudy Turn In Turn Out Unusual Movement Excessive Blinking Eye Rubbing Eyes Move Independently Constant Frowning Shuts or covers one eye Excessive Irritability during close activities Holds toys close Knocks things over Moves head not eyes

7. Observe Drawing difficulty Poor concentration when using near vision Difficulty recognising colours Stumbles over objects Bumps into objects Difficulties with lighting (glare) Walks with shuffle or stoop Dislikes physical activity

8. Listen!!! “I can’t see that” “I see two” “I feel dizzy” “My head hurts” “I feel sick”

9. Reporting Example Left eye appears to be very red Child cries and shuts eyes when moving outside on sunny day Trips over step on entering classroom Cannot find brown or purple smarties on dark carpet but finds yellow and pink

10. Reporting Example (cont) Child sits close to window when doing table activities Holds toys of size about 10 cm about 12 cm from eye Bright toys presented from RHS – head turns. From LHS no reaction.

11. Frequently asked questions How can contrast be used? Does the child need more time to complete tasks? Must I help the child move around? Must the child use bright strong colours? Can the child use a pencil or a koki? Can the child be encouraged to play rough and tumble?

12. Frequently asked questions Must I reorganise the environment? What lighting is good? How does glare affect? Will making things bigger help? Can spectacles help? Should the child sit close to me?

13. Not all vision impairment is the same Each child is an individual Join hands with the Team Be adaptable Observe and listen Childs needs will change as he develops UNDERSTAND THE CHILD’S EYE CONDITION! Points to Remember