Near Visual Acuities

By: Carmen Willings   
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated June 14, 2025
As part of the Functional Vision Evaluation (FVE), it is essential to assess a students near visual acuity. The technique used will vary based on the student's cognitive, developmental, and communication abilities. A comprehensive evaluation should include both formal testing and informal observation.

​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.

Subscribe today!

Subscribe today to unlock premium resources & printables. Choose the subscription level that best fits your needs and get immediate access to additional printable resources, ECC tools, and more. Subscription plans are individual and non-transferable. Your membership helps sustain and grow this resource for the vision community. ​​Thank you for your support!

Article Pages

VI Basics
History of VI ​Vision Professionals​ ​Professional Publications ​​Program Tools & Templates ​Policy & Advocacy ​​Professional Support AT Resources​
Service Planning
VI Referrals​ ​Medical Vision Exam ​Visual DiagnosisFVLMALow Vision EvaluationsOther Evaluations​Service PlansGoals & Objectives
Consultation
​Unique Visual Needs
​Collaboration​​Instructional Adaptations​Environmental Adaptations​​Material Adaptations​Access ClassesFamily Resources
Teaching Strategies
Compensatory Skills
Concept Development​Alternative Communication​Emergent Literacy​Beginning Braille​​Braille Code​Braille Fluency & Comprehension​Braillewriter​​​​​Slate & Stylus Basics *S
​​​Nemeth Code Instruction *S
​​​Tactile Graphics​Print Concepts​​Abacus ​​Organize​​​Study Skills​​Time Management
Sensory Efficiency
​Auditory Efficiency​​​​​Listening Skills​​Visual Efficiency Skills​​Optical Device Use​Tactile Readiness
Assistive Technology
AT Assessment ​AT Instruction​
AT Basic Use ​​AT Problem Solving ​Braille Notetaker ​iOS/Tablet Instruction Audio Skills ​Video Magnifiers ​​Basic Computer Use Access Productivity
Social Skills
​Non-Verbal Skills​​​​​CommunicateCooperativeIdentity & Self-Awareness​Interactions & RelationshipsManaging Challenges & Safety
Self-Determination
Independent Living Skills
Personal Care ​Hygiene  ​Personal Health Mealtime Skills ​​​ Food Preparation​Household SkillsClothing Management​Money & BudgetShopping & ConsumerismPhone Use​Safety & Emergency Preparedness​​Services & Community Resources
Orientation & Mobility
Recreation & Leisure Skills
Career & Vocational
Interactive Activities
Recorded Presentations
Lesson Planning 
Thematic Units
Beginning of the Year Units ​​Fall Units​​Winter Units​​Spring UnitsHoliday Units
Printable Resources
**Additionally, each Teach Subscription page and each Thematic Unit contains additional unique printables!
*M = free member pages
*S = Basic subscription pages
*CS = Complete set bonus
*A = All Access subscription pages