The document discusses a Kids2See initiative that aims to screen children for untreated eye diseases through volunteer-run vision screenings. It outlines that 80% of children's learning is visual, and untreated childhood eye diseases can lead to learning difficulties and preventable blindness. The initiative plans to screen over 140 kindergarten children at two schools using standardized tests, record results, refer children suspected of issues to follow-up care, and inform all families of benefits. The screening is not an exam. It encourages University of Toronto medical student volunteers to get involved by signing up to receive training and screening dates to help run the program.

1. COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

2. Why should you do Kids2See? You like working with kids You want to do something clinical in Pre-Clerkship You want to have tangible impact in an at risk community

3. Agenda Why the initiative? The Plan Get Involved

4. Consequences of Untreated Childhood Eye Disease Source: Preventblindness.org; Strabismus.org; Health News Digest; Ontario Association of Optometrists 80% of children’s learning is visual Children can experience: Visual confusion Difficulty focusing in class Headaches Misdiagnosis of ADHD, MID, etc. 1. Why the initiative? Learning Difficulties Preventable Blindness Description Problems with clarity of image or image processing by brain can lead to poor long term visual development in blurrier eye -> amblyopia While asymptomatic at first, uncorrectable if not treated

5. What is ambloypia? Definition Reduced vision in an eye that has not received adequate use during early childhood Cause Any condition that causes one eye to be favored, and the other ignored by the brain. Examples: strabismus (crossed eyes), farsightedness, nearsightedness, cataracts Effect Non-favored eye is ignored by the brain to avoid a clash between the two different images from the eyes Permanent once brain stops growing Source: Preventblindness.org; Kovacheye.com; Health News Digest; Medline plus Estimated 1/20 children have amblyopia!!! 1. Why the initiative?

6. Strong precedent… Ontario: “Due to provincial funding reductions, the Public Health Unit no longer provides vision screening in elementary schools in Ontario for young children.” 1. Why the initiative?

7. Agenda Why the initiative? The Plan Get Involved

8. What are we testing for? What do we use? Source: Preventblindness.org; Strabismus.org; Health News Digest; Ontario Association of Optometrists Visual Acuity Both eyes used synchronously to produce single image Binocular vision Definition Estimates 1/7 have refractive error 1/25 have strabismus (eye misalignment) Other disorders include aniseikonia (diff. refractive states), convergence deficiency, etc. Pot. issues 2. The Plan Screening Test Sheridan-Gardner Visual Acuity Test Stereo Fly Stereopsis Sharpness of Vision

9. Wave 2 - ~140 kindergarten children at 2 schools Stats will be recorded Screening not an exam What do we do? Screen Children Refer those suspected with problems Follow up with families and deal with access issues All families will be informed of benefits of (free) annual eye exams Those suspected as having problems referred to Kids2See advisor ophthalmologist Accommodate children utilizing gov. programs, Lenscrafters Gift of Sight, and Sick Kids Revaluate and Expand program Initiate program at other schools Expand volunteer base 2. The Plan

10. Screening setup 2. The Plan 20ft Volunteer w/ SG test Volunteer Plan Children brought in 4 at a time In teams of 2, 2 tests administered and history taken Borderline cases rescreened When a child has been screened 1 volunteer takes child to get prize and other report to master list holder Rescreeners PRIZES!!! Master list holder Child

11. History and Next Steps 35 children referred! ? We need your help!!! ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 2. The Plan

12. Agenda Why the initiative? The Plan Get Involved

13. UofT Meds Volunteers 3. Get Involved Vision Screener 1T1 Coordinator Sign up to receive training session and screening dates!!! Watch your email Work with 1T0 Coordinators in preparation to run program next year Stay tuned to apply