Interviews

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
​Updated June 14, 2025
​Interviews are a critical component of the Functional Vision Evaluation (FVE). Speaking with individuals who are familiar with the student provides valuable insight into how the student uses vision across settings and times of day. Interviews help identify concerns, clarify the functional impact of a visual impairment, and guide the evaluation process.

​Parent/Caregiver Interview

​Parents and caregivers offer essential insight into the student’s visual functioning at home and in community environments. They can provide background information on the onset and progression of the visual impairment, daily living skills, and how the student interacts with family and peers.
Key areas to explore during the interview include:
  • History and nature of the visual diagnosis
  • Medical treatments or eye care routines
  • The student’s strengths and challenges related to visual tasks
  • Use of vision in daily routines (e.g., dressing, eating, organizing belongings)
  • Participation in leisure activities or sports
  • Awareness and understanding of the visual impairment
Use a structured interview form to ensure you gather consistent information. This can also help identify any gaps that need further observation or assessment.

​Classroom Teacher Interview

​General education teachers or academic instructors play a key role in describing how the student functions in a learning environment. Their input is valuable for understanding how vision impacts access to the curriculum and peer interactions.
Topics to address include:
  • Academic performance and reading level
  • Visual behaviors (e.g., squinting, leaning in, avoidance of visual tasks)
  • Use of accommodations, modifications, and optical devices
  • Student’s ability to navigate the classroom and school independently
  • Participation in class discussions, group work, and activities
If your school or district has a standard teacher interview form, that can be used. Otherwise, use a prepared guide to ensure you gather consistent, relevant information.

​Pre-K or Self-Contained Classroom Teacher Interview

​For students in preschool programs or moderate to intensive support classrooms, teachers often spend the entire day with the student and can provide extensive information on the child’s use of vision across routines and settings.
When interviewing early childhood or special education teachers, consider:
  • Visual attention and engagement during structured and unstructured activities
  • How the student uses vision during play, transitions, mealtime, and toileting
  • Preferred materials, lighting, or seating arrangements
  • Observed visual behaviors and any changes in performance over time
Tailor your questions to the developmental level and setting. A specialized interview form for Pre-K or multi-disability classrooms can help focus your discussion.

​Student Interview

​When appropriate, interviewing the student can be one of the most informative parts of the FVE. If the student is verbal or uses alternative communication methods, ask them directly about their visual experiences, preferences, and concerns.
Student interviews can reveal:
  • Awareness of their visual impairment
  • Strategies they use to access materials or navigate environments
  • Comfort with using accommodations or assistive technology
  • How they describe their vision to others
  • Their interests, hobbies, and future goals
This conversation not only provides data for the FVE but also helps build rapport and empowers the student to take an active role in understanding their vision.
​Each interview should be documented clearly in the FVE report. Quotes or descriptions from caregivers, teachers, and the student can help the educational team better understand how the student’s visual needs impact their learning and development. Interviews help ensure that the FVE reflects the student's experience across multiple environments, not just during assessment sessions.

Parent Interview

The following is available as a pdf on the Premium Printables page.
Parent or Caregiver Interview Form
Parent or Caregiver Interview Form
Classroom Teacher Interview Form
Classroom Teacher Interview Form
History of Visual Impairments
Professional Practice
Vision Professionals
Professionalism
Teacher Resources
Professional Publications
VI Book Resources
Family Resources
VI Referrals
Medical vision exams
visual diagnosis
fvlma
other evaluations