Spot Vision tester

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Our district bought one of these and we went to get "certified" for us to use it yesterday afternoon. This machine is like something Bones would use on Star Trek. You aim it at a face and - BAM! - eye exam done in a few seconds, complete with all the stats like axis, and other stuff I'm ignorant of. It tests for astigmatism, strabismus, and a couple other eye conditions. Of course, Texas will only allow its use to screen kids 5 and under but that would help with PK and most of KG, life skills, etc. It seems to good to be true and stuff that seem to good to be true usually turn out that way. Have you guys had experience with this thing?

Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..

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Specializes in Peds, Oncology.
What area of the country do you work in? Is this common practice that the Lion's Club does your screenings where you're at? I'm jealous and think it's time for me to consider changing districts! :mad:

I'm in IN and Lions Club does preK and K vision screenings here, which aren't state mandated grades but they believe in the importance of early detection so they like to do those grades. They will also help families get glasses if there is a financial need.

While they are a wonderful free asset, you also have to keep in mind that they are not healthcare providers. They are retired volunteers. This year I felt like I could get it done faster and more reliably without their assistance.

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What area of the country do you work in? Is this common practice that the Lion's Club does your screenings where you're at? I'm jealous and think it's time for me to consider changing districts! :mad:

In VA, economically challenged area in the mountains. They come every year, a great group to work with here. They also will step in and purchase glasses for kids if the family can't afford them.

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Specializes in School nurse.

OldDude, have you had a chance to use this yet?

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
OldDude, have you had a chance to use this yet?

Yes. It is really fast and easy to use. Pretty amazing really. We (our district nurses) played around with it. For instance, I wear contacts, and with my contacts I resulted out in normal range. I put my reading glasses on and it said I needed an eye exam. We tried all kinds of variations and couldn't fool it. Very pleased with it.

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Specializes in School Nurse.
Yes. It is really fast and easy to use. Pretty amazing really. We (our district nurses) played around with it. For instance, I wear contacts, and with my contacts I resulted out in normal range. I put my reading glasses on and it said I needed an eye exam. We tried all kinds of variations and couldn't fool it. Very pleased with it.

OldDude, I too am in Texas. In the future (when), will we be able to use this machine on all students?

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
OldDude, I too am in Texas. In the future (when), will we be able to use this machine on all students?

The person that certified us on the Spot said there was one person who was against it. He's the one who started the vision screening program for the state. He's the one that capped the Spot's use on 5 year olds and younger. The word is he will eventually cave and open it up for all ages or he will retire and his successor will then open it up for all ages. I hope it's sooner than later. But it already saves a bunch of time with screening PK, life skills, and most kinder kids.

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Yes. It is really fast and easy to use. Pretty amazing really. We (our district nurses) played around with it. For instance, I wear contacts, and with my contacts I resulted out in normal range. I put my reading glasses on and it said I needed an eye exam. We tried all kinds of variations and couldn't fool it. Very pleased with it.

It really is amazing. You can customize it which is nice. We also like that you can print the report. That price kills me though.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
It really is amazing. You can customize it which is nice. We also like that you can print the report. That price kills me though.

Very expensive...but when I look at all the money spent on classroom BS stuff it's really a bargain.

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