Vision disorders are the number one handicapping condition for children. Yet, 18 million children will not have an eye examination by an eye doctor by the time they enter school.

 

• Children needlessly struggle for years in schools across the country because they have undetected, learning-related vision problems. 

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• Children are often misdiagnosed as having ADD/ADHD, labeled “dumb,” or misplaced in a resource room when their academic or behavior struggles actually stem from correctable vision problems.

 

• The Myth of 20/20 “Vision:” Vision problems most often go undetected when it is assumed a child has perfect eyesight because he/she passed a school screening eye chart test with “20/20 vision.” It is a little known fact that this test does not measure how well a child can see at near distances, nor does it evaluate other visual skills necessary for learning or sports such as eye focusing, depth perception, peripheral vision, eye coordination or eye teaming.

 

• When a child is struggling with academics, sports or behavior, parents and teachers should be encouraged to consider a vision problem. There are time-tested signs to look for that a child may have a vision problem.

 

• Developmental optometrists provide specialized vision care called vision therapy that is proven to help correct many vision problems, improve visual skills needed for reading, and restore self-esteem.

 

All information from www.covd.org; reprinted with permission.