Bennett’s pediatrician used the Spot Vision Screener to perform a routine vision screening. Within seconds, Amanda was aware that the device had detected strabismus in Bennett’s right eye.
According to his mom, Amanda, Bennett was a typical four-year-old, except he was sometimes “clumsy,” as his mom put it — tripping on stairs and running into things. He also struggled to identify shapes and letters in preschool. When Amanda took Bennett for his well-child visit that year, his pediatrician’s office had introduced instrument-based screening with the Spot Vision Screener to its workflow. Going into the appointment, Amanda had no idea how important that vision screening would be for Bennett.
Bennett’s pediatrician used the Spot Vision Screener to perform a routine vision screening. The Spot Vision Screener quickly detects six risk factors for amblyopia and provides immediate results if an abnormality is detected and a referral to an eye care specialist is recommended. Within seconds, Amanda was aware that the device had detected strabismus in Bennett’s right eye.
“Screening for vision disorders at an early age is important. There is a small window to detect issues and get treatment before the damage has a higher likelihood of being permanent. That is what almost happened to Bennett, and we are so grateful for the Spot Vision Screener and his doctors who were able to help him overcome his vision disorder.”
„The pediatrician’s office completed the referral process to have Bennett evaluated at an eye institute near their home. At this point, Bennett had just turned five and was blind in his right eye. Amanda knew time was not on their side. The doctor had shared that by age six, treatment for strabismus can be less effective as the brain essentially “turns off” that eye, and symptoms cannot be reversed as successfully.1 “It was scary. We had a small window to correct his vision,” said Amanda.
Amanda reports that providers at the eye institute confirmed the diagnosis and felt it was too late for treatment. “After the evaluation, the doctor told us that because strabismus was not detected earlier, Bennett would have to live with this disability the rest of his life,” she said. “As a mother, that was the most defeating feeling. That there was nothing I could do to help my son.” Bennett’s parents got second opinions from two other health systems. Both facilities offered treatment plans, and they immediately began Bennett’s treatment.
Bennett started the treatment plan to correct his vision in kindergarten. His challenges identifying shapes and letters continued, and he had issues reading and writing. He was still “clumsy” and had trouble doing things like catching a ball due to a lack of depth perception. His doctor started initial treatments using prism glasses and patching. Bennett struggled with both treatment options and would try to peek around the sides of the patch.
After those treatment options were exhausted, his doctor recommended surgery to correct his vision before he turned six. In 2019, Bennett had outpatient surgery and a weeklong recovery with restrictions on returning to regular activity. Amanda said, “Bennett did well through the surgery but struggled with the week of limited activity post-operation. He was anxious to get back to playing outside with his friends because he could see so much better!”
It has been five years since the surgery and Bennett has not had any complications. “Getting screened so he could get the treatment he needed really improved his quality of life. We worried about how he would be able to perform academically in school or drive a car,” said Amanda. “Bennett does not have any vision issues, does not need to wear glasses, is doing well in school and meets grade-level standards for reading and writing,” said Amanda. She describes him as a spunky kid who loves being outside and playing soccer with his friends. He can catch a ball and is not as “clumsy” anymore.
Bennett does not have any vision issues, does not need to wear glasses, is doing well in school and meets grade-level standards for reading and writing,” said Amanda. She describes him as a spunky kid who loves being outside and playing soccer with his friends. He can catch a ball and is not as “clumsy” anymore.
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