Purpose of the Functional Vision Evaluation (FVE)

Also known as a Functional Vision Assessment (FVA), this evaluation is legally required for all students who are blind or visually impaired. Unlike a clinical eye exam, which diagnoses medical conditions or prescribes treatments (such as glasses, medication, or surgery), the FVE focuses on how the student uses their vision in real-world settings, particularly in school.
The primary goals of the FVE are to:
  • Determine how the student’s vision affects their access to learning and participation in the school environment.
  • Identify the student’s usable vision, including the extent and limitations of their visual functioning.
  • Provide recommendations for instruction, accommodations, and interventions.
  • Evaluate whether a Clinical Low Vision Evaluation or Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Assessment is also needed.
  • Determine if specialized instruction is warranted and help develop appropriate IEP goals.
Even students with no functional vision require an FVE to confirm the absence of usable sight and to make instructional recommendations. 

Timing and Frequency of the FVE

  • The FVE is first conducted as part of the initial evaluation process to determine eligibility for vision services.
  • It is reviewed annually to ensure the student continues to receive appropriate support and instruction in their primary learning medium.
  • The TVI also makes ongoing observations in natural environments and during instruction to monitor how the student uses vision and adapts to their environment.
  • An updated FVE may be conducted after a Clinical Low Vision Evaluation to assess the effectiveness of prescribed optical devices and determine further instructional needs.

​Pre-Assessment Considerations

Before the FVLMA is conducted, the TVI will:
  • Review background and medical information, including the most recent eye report (within the past year).
  • Note changes in visual function, cognitive development, or the student’s ability to participate in the assessment.
  • Coordinate with the educational team to plan assessment times when the student is alert and functioning at their best.

​What the Functional Vision Evaluation Assesses

The FVE must be based on observations in a variety of settings, such as indoor and outdoor environments, across different lighting conditions, times of day, and learning tasks. It often includes:
  • Near and distance visual acuity and discrimination
  • Peripheral visual fields
  • Color and contrast sensitivity
  • Light sensitivity and preferences
  • Visual tracking and scanning (motility)
  • Use of vision with and without optical devices
  • Visual stamina and signs of fatigue
For students with multiple disabilities, positioning may significantly affect visual performance. Observations should be made across various physical positions to understand how posture impacts vision.

​Developmental and Behavioral Considerations

When assessing students who are nonverbal or have complex needs, the TVI should observe subtle behaviors that may indicate visual awareness, including:
  • Eye movements or blinking
  • Changes in breathing patterns
  • Turning the head toward stimuli
  • Movements of the arms or hands toward visual targets
  • Vocalizations or body posture changes in response to stimuli
Additional considerations include:
  • Whether the student is working with a familiar or unfamiliar person
  • How familiarity with the environment impacts performance
  • The student’s physical stamina and response time
  • Any known medication side effects

Learning Media Assessment (LMA)

​Conducted in conjunction with the FVE, the Learning Media Assessment determines how a student best receives and processes information, whether through vision, touch (Braille), auditory means, or a combination of these. The LMA helps determine the primary and secondary learning media and guides instructional planning.

​Results and Educational Impact

​The FVE/FVLMA report provides the educational team with:
  • A detailed summary of the student’s visual strengths and challenges
  • Strategies and accommodations that enhance access to instruction
  • Recommendations for programming, including assistive technology, print size, lighting preferences, seating placement, and device training
  • Information to determine eligibility for vision services and referrals for additional assessments (e.g., Orientation & Mobility or Clinical Low Vision services)
  • Insights on how vision impacts learning, mobility, and independence
The report is also critical for informing IEP development, guiding ongoing instruction, and ensuring that students with visual impairments are given every opportunity to succeed in their educational environment.

​FVE Resources

  • You are welcome to download and use the Functional Vision Evaluation templates and resources that I developed to assist you in conducting the FVE assessment. Sign up for membership with Teaching Students with Visual Impairments and gain access to these resources along with other free VI Program resources. 
  • New Tools and activities for use with Functional Vision and Learning Media Assessment (NewT) is a new product from APH. Everything you need to complete the Observations, Functional Vision Assessment, and Learning Media Assessment sections of the FV/LMA is in this tool kit. Nigel Newt's Portfolios provide sample graphs, maps, dictionary entries, reading samples, diagrams, news clippings, catalogue pages for grade levels K–11. All text is provided in accessible formats.
  • The Functional Vision and Learning Media Assessment Kit tool (FVLMA Kit) from APH helps practitioners gather, store, track, and analyze information regarding students' functional vision and appropriate learning media. It is a user-friendly instrument that provides a framework for the systematic assessment of a student's visual functioning and needs for adapted educational media. ​

Printable Resources

The following printables can be found on the Premium FVLMA Printables page.
Functional Vision Learning Media Assessment Handout
Functional Vision Learning Media Assessment Handout
2025 FVE Template
2025 FVE Template

Resource Access

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Downloadable printable resources, lesson plans, recorded presentations, and ECC instructional units are available to Premium Subscribers.

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Plan: Referrals & Eligibility
Referral & Eligibility​ ​Medical Vision Information 
FVLMALow Vision Evaluations
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