Vision Screening
Childhood vision disorders are prevalent and are a significant public health problem. Early identification, diagnosis and correction of children’s vision disorders are essential parts of all child health programs. The early detection and treatment of vision disorders give the visual system and brain an opportunity to develop normally and prevent permanent vision loss, thereby giving children a better opportunity to develop educationally, socially, and emotionally (National Center for Child’s Vision and Eye Health).

Hearing Screening
Hearing loss in school children may interfere with normal speech and language development and with the ability to learn. Even mild or unilateral hearing losses may be educationally significant. Regular school hearing screenings are an important method of identifying children who are at risk for hearing loss. Early detection and treatment of hearing disorders provide children with best opportunity to develop academically, emotionally, and socially.

Postural Screening
The purpose of spinal screening is to detect the signs of abnormal curves of the spine at their earliest stages so that the need for treatment can be determined.   Scoliosis, a common spinal abnormality found in adolescents, is a sideways twisting of the spine.  It is usually detected in children between 10 and 14 years of age.  Kyphosis, sometimes called round back, is an exaggerated rounding of the upper back and is often confused with poor posture.  Many cases of curvature of the spine are mild and require ongoing observation by a physician when they are first diagnosed.  Others can worsen with time as the child grows and require active treatment such as bracing and surgery.  Early treatment can prevent the development of a severe deformity, which can affect a person’s appearance and health.

Dental Exams
The Pleasant Elementary School has teamed with the Smile Ohio Mobile Dentist Program to provide dental exams and cleaning services to our K-5 students. This is not a free service, however the Smile Ohio program does accept most insurance and exams are available on a self-pay basis. Detailed information about this service will be sent home prior to the scheduled service date.

Pleasant Local Schools and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) stress that vision, hearing, and postural screenings, while a valuable public health procedure, are not substitutes for a complete medical exam from a licensed physician. However, to further ensure asymptomatic children with disorders and difficulties are detected early, it is important to utilize uniform and evidence based screening procedures as essential parts of a comprehensive approach to children’s health.