Vision And Learning Difficulties In School Aged Children
Undetected Vision Problems Can Lead To Problems In School
 
According to research published in The Journal of Behavioral Optometry by Roger Johnson, Ph.D. of Old Dominion University and Joel Zaba, M.A., O.D, there is a significant relationship between undetected vision problems, reading, and learning. Considering that 80% of all learning in a child’s first 12 years comes through the eyes, good vision is important for their success in school. Some children are labeled “learning disabled” or “trouble-makers,” when all they need is an eye exam and appropriate vision correction. An alarming 2 out of 3 children receive no vision assessment before starting school, and 1 in 4 children has an undetected vision problem that can interfere with learning.

Despite the participation in school vision screening, many children with poor vision go unnoticed and undetected. Unlike a comprehensive eye exam, a simple screening – a distance vision test using a Snellen chart – only identifies 5% of vision problems in children, according to the American Foundation for Vision Awareness. While these vision screenings are useful for offering an early indication of problems relating to distance eyesight, they miss other critical vision deficiencies that can impact a child’s eye health development. If not corrected early, some vision problems such, as amblyopia, can lead to permanent vision loss.

To impact the lives of children through the miracle of sight, the Buena Vista Children’s Foundation will host an annual clinic that will provide free comprehensive eye exams that measure a number of visual skills that are critical to a child’s healthy vision.  Visual skills that are measured include: using both eyes as a team, the ability of the eyes to focus properly when reading a book or viewing a computer, and the ability of the eyes to move properly when reading across the page of a book. In addition, the foundation will provide free eye glasses if needed, so that every child is ready to gain the knowledge and skills that will remain with them their entire lives. How well a child can see will have a tremendous impact on how much and how quickly they will learn.

Please get involved, and make a difference.

Antonio Moran, O.D. and Irene Silva 
Founders of the Buena Vista Children’s Foundation

For more info e-mail: sightfxr@hotmail.com