Good vision is essential for children as they develop physically and move through the education process. The visual system in young children is immature and requires equal input from both eyes for brain vision centers to develop normally. Early detection of defective vision provides the best opportunity for effective, inexpensive treatment.
To this end, House Bill 199 from the MS Legislative Regular Session 2000 requires that the School Nurse for each school district perform the preventative service of vision screening on all children in grades 1, 4, & 7. The purpose of this screening is to detect problems which can lead to serious sensory losses, behavioral and academic problems. A child who cannot see well begins his or her education at a disadvantage. Children who start behind often stay behind.
So that screening can be done quickly, accurately, and with minimum expense, the Junior Auxillary of Clinton has partnered with the Clinton Public School District to perform the required screening. Over 1,200 students were tested by the end of October 2001. School district nurse Renee Martin recently attended a Nurses Conference where she learned a newer, easier way to do eye screening. She has in turn trained JA members who work on this project. "There is no way I would be able to complete this requirement in a timely fashion if it were not for JA members giving their time to help out." states Martin. "This is an enormous undertaking of vital importance for the children of this community and the Junior Auxiliary of Clinton helps to make sure it gets done."
