Visual function is how a child functions visually within the everyday environment. A functional vision assessment (FVA) is carried out by a QTVI and provides ‘real life’ information on how a child uses their sight, for example at home or in an early years setting. The test will involve some clinical test materials and informal observations.
In the early years, a QTVI can work with parents at home and also in early years settings. During the sessions, the focus may be on visual enhancement but all information gathered will help formulate a FVA. With babies it may be as simple as do the eyes react when the light is put on, can they fix and follow an object?
A functional vision assessment may include information such as:
- Child A can follow a 5cm yellow ball from left to right at 50cm.
- Child A was observed responding to parent as they stood silently in door way 3m away.
More standardised functional vision assessments in the early years include:
- Cardiff Acuity Test (Cardiff Cards) which is a preferential looking test.
- Hiding Heidi – this is a contrast test and can assess near and distance acuity.
- An assessment called BUST for near vision testing.