|
(HealthNewsDigest.com)-One of the best ways to help children learn at school is to take them for an eye exam.
Millions of students are thought to have a vision problem that may inhibit their ability to learn and that could ultimately affect the rest of their lives.
A new report from the National Commission on Vision and Health reveals that most children start school without this important exam. The report, “Building a Comprehensive Child Vision Care System,” finds that the current system of providing school screenings falls short. It offers recommendations to improve children’s vision.
“This report finds that vision screenings are not the most effective way to determine vision problems,” said Deborah Klein Walker, EdD., principal author of the report. According to research studies, a school vision screening, while helpful, is not a substitute for a comprehensive eye examination.
“Screenings vary in scope and are not designed to detect many visual problems that can significantly impact tasks like reading, where more than clarity of vision is needed,” said Edwin C. Marshall, O.D., M.P.H., vice president for diversity, equity and multicultural affairs at Indiana University. “Comprehensive eye exams performed by eye doctors are essential for clear, comfortable and healthy vision.”
According to research studies cited in the commission’s report, screenings missed finding vision conditions in one-third of children with a vision problem and most of the children who are screened and fail the screening don’t receive the follow-up care they need. This despite the fact that many of the vision and eye health problems affecting children can be managed or even eliminated if they receive treatment right away.
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends comprehensive eye exams especially for children entering preschool and kindergarten. Parents are cautioned that most eye problems can be present without symptoms.
The group says early identification of vision health problems by an eye care professional can result in better school achievement and overall health outcomes, which can lead to prevention of potential developmental delays or, in some cases, eye diseases.
According to the report’s data, 83 percent of children with families earning less than 200 percent of federal poverty level have not seen an eye care provider during the prior year.
“Due to a failure to provide adequate vision care, we’re asking children from low-income backgrounds to compete with children from a more advantaged background and to do so without basic tools necessary for success,” said David Rosenstein, DMS, MPH, professor emeritus, Oregon Health & Science University, and a member of the commission. “The lack of vision care is handicapping our most vulnerable populations.”
A visit to the eye doctor could be one of the most important steps to help your child make the most of his or her education. To learn more about children’s vision, visit www.visionandhealth.org, or to find an optometrist in your area, visit www.aoa.org.
Subscribe to our FREE Ezine and be eligible for Health News, discounted products/services and coupons related to your Health. We publish 24/7.
HealthNewsDigest.com
We also create, produce and distribute tv/cable public service campaigns: HealthyTelevisionProductions