Q: What is the difference between VERA SE and VERA 3?

A: The only program difference is that VERA 3 contains the vision skills screening and VERA SE does not. VERA 3 requires both sets of testing glasses (one for the routine screening, one for the skills screening) and VERA SE requires one set of testing glasses (for the routine screening).

Q: Is there a limit on the number of tests I can run with either program?

A: No. A program purchase includes unlimited tests and indefinite use by the original end-user. The only exception occurs when a large group of users enters into an annual VERA site license, wherein start-up costs are greatly reduced but require an annual renewal.

Q: Does VERA contain a test for near vision?

A: NO. Although VERA does not test near vision separately, abnormal near vision is covered by the other VERA tests and is redundant. Poor near vision is almost always due to some combination of excessive hyperopia, astigmatism or binocular dysfunction. A student with poor near vision will fail either the VERA distance visual acuity, hyperopia or binocular vision screening tests and be referred.

Q: Does VERA test for color vision?

A: NO. Due to differences in monitors and their settings for brightness and contrast, software-based color vision testing without dedicated hardware is likely to be inaccurate. Since many schools are required to test color vision only once in early grades, alternate color vision testing using Isochromatic plates or other standardized methods is recommended.

Q: Can I run only the vision skills screening?

A: YES. However, running just the skills screening is not recommended unless the student has passed the VERA routine screening or has had their eyesight corrected by an eye doctor. The vision skills difficulties that VERA identifies occur in students with normal or corrected vision. Skipping the routine screening may yield false positives as routine eye problems may be mistaken for skills difficulties.

Q: Can I use VERA on my laptop?

A: YES. VERA software will run on most Windows-based laptops with a compatible video card. If a laptop is used, care should be exercised in maintaining optimal viewing conditions of the laptop screen, which is generally less bright and with a narrower viewing angle.

Q: Can I install VERA on a network?

A: YES, depending on the security protocols and user access privileges of the network.

Q: May I install VERA on more than one computer at my school?

A: YES, but only if additional licenses are purchased for each computer. Alternately, a site license may be purchased for your entire facility, district, etc.. The single user license is intended to be for a single computer.

Q: Can I purchase additional testing glasses?

A: YES. Registered users may purchase additional testing glasses to replace ones lost or damaged.

Q: If I already have an older version of VERA, can I upgrade to VERA SE or VERA 3?

A: YES. You can usually use your current testing glasses for the upgraded routine vision screening and import your screening data to the new program. The only exception to this is the original Windows 95 VERA program. Contact us for specific instructions on upgrading.

Q: If the routine screening is appropriate for students in any grade, why is the skills screening recommended for students in grades 2-8?

A: This is because students younger than those in second grade may have a developmental lag and not an actual vision skills issue, while much older students generally have issues which are more deeply ingrained and therefore less amenable to intervention. Students higher than grade 8 may be screened; their results will be slightly less accurate.

Q: How long does it take to complete the screening for each student?

A: On average, 5 -8 minutes; less when using VERA 3 "SmartScreen" mode. Of course, completed reports are included in this time frame as well.

Q: Is VERA specifically a state approved screening method?

A: NO. VERA is not specifically listed along with older, more generic vision testing methods or devices. VERA utilizes clinically accepted screening methods which are equivalent or superior to these approved screening devices and techniques. Experience from screening over a million students from nearly every state have insured accuracy of referral.

Q: Will VERA meet my state vision screening requirements?

A: Practically speaking, YES. VERA will meet or exceed the required outcomes of your state screening regulations (with the exception of color vision). Descriptions of state-required tests are based on older, manual tests and not computerized testing logic of the kind VERA employs. Near vision testing is an example of a state-required test which is unnecessary when using VERA. The following are general guidelines:

Alabama - exceeds regs first grade and above
Alaska - exceeds regs when combined with external inspection
Arizona - meets regs minus near visual acuity
Arkansas - exceeds regs above grade 3. Grades K-3 require cover and corneal light reflex tests
Colorado - meets regs minus near point of convergence
Connecticut - meets regs
Delaware - meets regs
Florida - meets regs
Georgia - meets regs
Hawaii - meets regs
Idaho - meets regs
Illinois - meets regs
Indiana - meets regs minus modified clinical technique when required
Iowa - meets regs
Kansas - meets regs above grade 1. Grade 1 requires near point of convergence
Kentucky - n/a; determined by each school district
Louisiana - meets regs minus corneal reflex test
Maine - meets regs
Maryland - n/a; determined by each school district
Massachusetts - meets regs
Michigan - meets regs minus corneal reflex test
Minnesota - meets regs
Mississippi - n/a; determined by each school district
Missouri - exceeds regs
Montana - exceeds regs
Nebraska - meets regs minus unspecified accommodation testing
Nevada - n/a; determined by each school district
New Hampshire - exceeds regs
New Jersey - meets regs minus near vision testing
New Mexico - n/a; information unavailable
New York - meets regs
North Carolina - does not meet all regs, no NVA or NPC tests
North Dakota - exceeds regs
Ohio - meets regs minus near vision testing
Oklahoma - exceeds regs
Oregon - meets regs
Pennsylvania - exceeds regs
Rhode Island - exceeds regs
South Carolina - exceeds regs
South Dakota - exceeds regs
Tennessee - n/a; determined by each school district
Texas - does not meet all regs; no cover and corneal light reflex tests
Utah - exceeds regs
Vermont - does not meet all regs; no cover test
Virginia - meets regs
Washington - meets regs
West Virginia - n/a; information incomplete
Wisconsin - exceeds regs
Wyoming - exceeds regs

NOTE: The cover test, near point of convergence and corneal light reflex tests are all out-of-instrument tests which are not provided by any routine screening devices. VERA uses clinical and testing logic which reduces or eliminates the need for these manual tests. As such, it is accurate to state the "VERA exceeds the performance of all state vision screening requirements."