Vision and Hearing Screening
The Vision, Hearing, & Spinal Screening Program is a program of early detection to identify children ages 4-18 years of age, with vision and hearing disorders and adolescents with abnormal spinal curvatures and refer them for appropriate follow-up with their doctor. The Vision, Hearing and Spinal Screening programs do not provide direct services, but instead certify individuals to conduct screenings for vision, hearing and spinal abnormalities in children ages 4-18 years of age.
The Texas Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (TEHDI) program may be contacted at tehdi@dshs.texas.gov or call 512-776-6616 or 800-252-8023, if you are trying to follow up regarding newborn screening.
Texas Risk Assessment for Type 2 Diabetes in Children (TRAT2DC) program formerly Acanthosis Nigricans: The Education and Screening (ANTES) program information will be available at https://rfes.utrgv.edu. For all inquiries to the TRAT2DC, please contact 956-665-8900 or email bho@utrgv.edu.
Announcements
HB 2789 does not impact VHSS.
HB 2789 repeals section 43.0431(b) of the Human Resources Code, and it is applicable to HHSC-Childcare Regulation. DSHS requirements still mandates Licensed Child Care Centers and Child Care Homes to maintain screening records in compliance with the Health and Safety Code Chapter 36 and Texas Administrative Code Rule 37.26. Licensed Child Care facilities are still required to provide the Vision and Hearing Screenings, and they must maintain the screening records for inspection by DSHS. Annual reporting is still required to be completed by June 30th of each year.
Training and Materials
For information regarding screener training in your area, call the school health specialist at the nearest Regional Education Service Center or email the Vision, Hearing, and Spinal Screening Program at vhssprogram@dshs.texas.gov.
External links to other sites are intended to be informational and do not have the endorsement of the Texas Department of State Health Services. These sites may not be accessible to people with disabilities.