The Vision, Hearing, & Spinal Screening Program (VHSS) is a program designed to detect vision and hearing disorders in children aged 4-18 years and abnormal spinal curvatures in adolescents and refer them for appropriate follow-up with their doctor.  The Vision, Hearing, and Spinal Screening programs do not provide direct services; instead, they certify individuals to conduct screenings for vision, hearing, and spinal abnormalities in children aged 4-18 years. For all inquiries regarding the VHSS program, please contact us at  [email protected]  or call 800-252-8023, extension 7420, or 512-776-7420.

If you are trying to follow up regarding a newborn screening. The Texas Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (TEHDI) program may be contacted at [email protected] or by calling 512-776-6616 or 800-252-8023. 

The Texas Risk Assessment for Type 2 Diabetes in Children (TRAT2DC) program, formerly known as Acanthosis Nigricans: The Education and Screening (ANTES) program, will provide information at https://rfes.utrgv.edu. For all inquiries regarding the TRAT2DC program, they can be contacted at [email protected] or by calling 956-665-8900. 

Announcements

Vision, Hearing, and Spinal Screening Annual Reporting Survey  

The Vision, Hearing, and Spinal Screening Annual Reporting Survey (VHSSARS) is a survey-based system designed to provide the user with an intuitive, and easy-to-use means of submitting their annual screening reports. All facilities or school districts must submit their vision, hearing, and spinal screening reports during the reporting period of January 15th to June 30th. The survey link for reporting inactivates after June 30th. 

VHSS Annual Reporting Survey PowerPoint

Reminder:

Make sure to have your Facility ID for submitting reports. You will no longer need the Facility Identification Number (FIN) Code.  

Facilities need to have their summary of totals available ahead of time to make the reporting process easier when entering the required data because the information must be submitted for all three sections at the same time.

Official Link:

Vision, Hearing, and Spinal Screening Annual Reporting Survey (VHSSARS)

This reporting link is only active during the Annual Reporting Timeframe: January 15th through June 30th. The link is inactive from July 1st through January 14th. 

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 [email protected].

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.