Healthy Vision Critical for Back-to-School Success
According to a recent study conducted by the American Optometric Association, 81 percent of K-12 teachers believe vision and learning are interdependent, yet many students do not receive regular comprehensive eye exams.
“Healthy vision is an essential part of school success,” said Dr. Peter Agnone, O.D., a Grand Blanc-based optometrist and MOA member. “A comprehensive eye exam can detect problems that could prevent kids from doing their best in school.”
Many experts believe approximately 80 percent of learning is visual. Reading, writing and computer work are just a few tasks students are expected to perform daily that require adequate visual skills. As classrooms adopt more technologically advanced tools, such as interactive blackboard presentations, the dependence on healthy vision will increase.
During a comprehensive eye exam, an optometrist will test several components of vision including visual alignment, depth perception, focus, hand-eye coordination, color identification and more.
Studies indicate some children with undetected vision problems can be misdiagnosed with attention deficit disorders. If your child experiences any of the following, an optometrist should be consulted about a possible vision problem:
· Loses place while reading
· Avoids close work
· Tends to rub eyes
· Has headaches
· Turns or tilts head
· Makes frequent reversals while reading or writing
· Uses finger to maintain place when reading
· Omits or confuses small words when reading
· Consistently performs below potential
· Struggles to complete homework
· Squints while reading or watching television
· Has behavioral problems
· Holds reading materials closer than normal
Early detection and treatment are key in correcting vision problems and helping children see clearly. The MOA recommends a child’s first comprehensive eye examination take place at 6 months of age. Thereafter, examinations should be conducted at age 3, before a child enters school, and then every two years, unless otherwise advised by an optometrist. In between exams, parents and teachers should monitor children for the signs that a student’s vision may be impaired.
To locate a Michigan Optometric Association doctor, visit the MOA website at www.themoa.org and click on the Find an Optometrist link at the upper right of the homepage.
About the Michigan Optometric Association
The mission of the Michigan Optometric Association is to unite all licensed optometrists and be the representative voice for the profession of optometry in Michigan. The association provides education, information and other member services to assist optometrists in practicing successfully in accordance with the highest standards of patient care; works to advance the quality and accessibility of optometric services throughout the state and seeks to ensure the recognition of optometrists as the primary providers of vision and related eye health care.
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