​Purpose of Assessing Near Visual Acuity

Near vision is required for many everyday academic and life activities such as:
  • Reading and writing
  • Fine motor tasks (e.g., sewing, drawing, electronics)
  • Engaging in leisure interests (e.g., puzzles, stamp collecting)
It is essential to assess how well the student can utilize their vision for tasks at their typical working distance, as this may differ from standard testing distances.​

​Informal Assessment of Near Vision

​Informally assess the student’s ability to read and interpret:
  • Standard classroom materials (silently and aloud)
  • Materials with varying contrast, fonts, and formats
  • Environmental print (e.g., menus, labels, price tags, comic books, food packaging, TV guides, maps, magazines, bus schedules, medicine bottles, recipes, and classified ads)
Also assess:
  • Reading stamina: Can the student read efficiently for more than 5–10 minutes without fatigue?
  • Reading speed: Compare the student’s speed using various print sizes and styles
  • Functional reading: Observe the student reading charts, graphs, diagrams, and math problems
  • Preferences: Include books and materials related to the student’s interests for a more authentic assessment
  • Impact of fatigue: Note whether visual performance declines with extended near tasks
Tip: Create an assessment binder with diverse materials to observe students' responses in various formats and contexts.

Formal Near Vision Testing

​Formal near vision testing is typically conducted using a standardized near-point acuity chart at a distance of 14-16 inches.
Commonly used materials include:
  • LEA Symbols (for pre-readers)
  • Sloan Letter or Number charts (for readers)
  • MNREAD charts (for fluency and comprehension)
  • Print-size comparison charts for evaluating font readability
When using formal testing:
  • Record the smallest line of print the student can read accurately
  • If needed, allow the student to adjust the distance for clarity, and document this modification
  • Note any use of prescribed low vision devices during testing
Important: Formal acuity tests often use isolated letters, which may overestimate functional visual ability. Always compare findings with informal assessments of real-world print and reading performance.

Recommendations Based on Near Visual Acuity

Depending on the student’s performance, the following strategies and accommodations may be necessary:
Instructional Strategies
  • Teach systematic visual search patterns
  • Teach visual/tactile/auditory discrimination skills
  • Introduce and support the use of prescribed low vision devices
  • Provide instruction in object/picture discrimination and recognition
  • Provide braille instruction as needed
  • Teach keyboarding skills for more efficient writing
  • Support increased reading speed, accuracy, and endurance
Accommodations
  • Use large print, bold line, or raised line paper
  • Provide 20/20 pens or black markers for writing
  • Allow extended time for assignments and assessments
  • Provide breaks during prolonged visual tasks
  • Use screen magnification or screen reading software
  • Allow for oral, typed, or audio-recorded responses
  • Use book stands or slant boards for optimal positioning
  • Shorten written assignments when appropriate
  • Provide additional workspace and storage for assistive devices and large print/braille materials
  • Omit test items that rely heavily on picture interpretation
  • Modify math spacing or layout to reduce visual clutter

​Additional Tools

A Near Acuity Equivalents Chart, available on the Printables page, can be used to match measured acuity with font size and sample print types. This chart is helpful when explaining a student’s visual needs to families, teachers, or team members.

Printable Resource

The following printable can be found on the Premium FVLMA Printables page.
Near Print Comparison Chart Handout
Near Print Comparison Chart Handout

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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