How to Determine That a Student Is Visually Impaired

Students who are visually impaired often struggle with classroom assignments. They may have trouble grasping concepts and retaining information if they are unable to clearly see what the teacher has written. Unfortunately, many students keep quiet about their condition or are unaware that they have a problem. Vision problems can be mistaken for other behavioral issues, such as hyperactivity and disruptiveness. Educators should pay close attention to the symptoms of visual impairment in order to recognize when a student needs help.

Instructions

• 1

  Watch for a lack of attention in class. If a student has trouble focusing and can't seem to concentrate on the tasks, he or she may have a visual impairment. Look for signs that include an inability to sit still for long periods of time and a tendency to fidget. The student may become frustrated easily.

• 2

  Pay attention to the student's reading skills. Symptoms of poor eyesight include a failure to grasp and retain information while reading, frequently losing their place in a book, tiring easily when reading and lack of enthusiasm about reading.

• 3

  Poor handwriting may be a sign of visual impairment.

  Look at the student's handwriting. Is it especially sloppy? Are words or letters written backwards? Does the student struggle with spelling? Does he or she have trouble copying information from the blackboard or text?

• 4

  Keep an eye on the student's math work. Visual impairment isn't associated only with reading comprehension; difficulty in solving arithmetic problems might also indicate an underlying issue.

• 5

  Observe whether the student has a "lazy eye." Amblyopia is among the most common causes of childhood visual impairment. Look for symptoms like eyes that don't work in conjunction with one another.

• 6

  Focus on the student's medical condition. Frequent headaches are a classic sign of eyestrain. Red or teary eyes and a tendency to rub them often are additional causes for concern.

• 7

  Suggest an eye exam for a definitive answer on whether a student is visually impaired.

  Have the student take an eye exam. Most schools offer annual vision and hearing exams. If a vision exam is not available, contact the parent with your concerns and suggest they take the child in for a checkup.