Vision Symptom Checklist
Check every symptom that applies to you or your child and get an instant score that shows whether a functional vision evaluation is the recommended next step. This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis.
What the Score Means
The checklist adds up the points for every item you check. Items are worth 1, 2 or 3 points, for a maximum of 110. The total places you in one of three ranges:
- 14–20
- You have a possible functional vision problem.
- 21–30
- You have a probable functional vision problem.
- 31+
- You have a definite functional vision problem.
A score of 20 or more indicates the need for a functional vision evaluation. An evaluation measures how the eyes track, team and focus together — the skills behind comfortable reading, copying and concentration — and shows whether vision therapy could be the right solution. See what a functional vision evaluation involves.
Keep in mind that this is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. It can tell you that a closer look is worthwhile; it cannot tell you what is causing the symptoms. If you scored below the ranges above but something still feels off, an evaluation is still the way to know for sure. For more on what to watch for, see the problems we solve, our article on 15 signs of a vision problem a school screening can miss, and what school vision screenings miss — a child can pass the 20/20 line and still have an inefficient visual system.
What These Symptoms Can Point To
The checklist does not name a cause. These are the areas a functional vision evaluation measures to rule each one in or out.
Eye Teaming
Losing your place, words that swim or double, headaches after reading, closing one eye — these are the items most often tied to how the two eyes converge and hold together at near.
Focusing
Print that starts clear and blurs, blur when you look up from the page to the board, near work that gets slower and more tiring the longer it lasts.
Tracking
Skipping lines and words, re-reading, using a finger to keep your place, copying errors and slow reading speed point at the eye movements reading depends on.
Double Vision
Two overlapping images, an eye that turns in or out, or one eye that sees less clearly than the other. New or sudden double vision should always be evaluated promptly.
Screen Strain
Tired, dry or achy eyes, headaches and fluctuating vision that build up over a day of screens — often an underlying teaming or focusing inefficiency showing itself under load.
Reading & Attention
Bright child, hard reader: poor comprehension, sleepiness or restlessness with near work and avoidance of sustained concentration can have a visual component.
Symptoms overlap, and more than one of these can be true at once — which is exactly why the measurements matter more than the guess. Browse every topic in the education library, or start with Start Here if you are new to developmental optometry.
What Happens Next
Symptom Checklist FAQ
How is the symptom checklist scored?
Each of the 43 items is worth 1, 2 or 3 points, and your score is the total of the items you check (the maximum is 110). A score of 14–20 suggests a possible functional vision problem, 21–30 a probable one, and 31 or more a definite one. A score of 20 or more indicates the need for a functional vision evaluation.
Is this checklist a diagnosis?
No. It is a screening tool that adds up symptoms commonly associated with functional vision problems. It can tell you that a closer look is worthwhile; it cannot tell you what is causing the symptoms. Only a functional vision evaluation can determine what is going on and whether vision therapy could help.
What should I do with my score?
If your score is 20 or more, the checklist indicates the need for a functional vision evaluation — you can schedule one online or call (561) 462-1245. Use “Print or save your results” to keep a copy of the items you checked and your score to share with your doctor. If your score is lower but you are still concerned, an evaluation is still the way to know for sure.
Is my checklist saved or sent anywhere?
No. The score is calculated in your browser as you check items, and nothing is stored or submitted. If you want a record, print or save the page before you leave it; reloading the page or pressing Clear starts over.
Scored 20 or More?
A score of 20 or more indicates the need for a functional vision evaluation. Schedule one at our Boynton Beach and Boca Raton offices — and print or save your results to bring along.