Young children can’t tell us when they’re having vision problems since they don’t realize they are not seeing properly. They believe that images are supposed to be blurry because they have never seen them any other way. It takes until at least age 8 before a child will realize they aren’t seeing like everyone else, and by the time a school screening uncovers a potential problem it may be too late to correct it. It is up to parents to be alert to signs that could indicate a vision problem.

One in four children has a vision problem that will interfere with learning.

It’s natural for parents to take their child for regular health and dental exams. However, unless a problem is noticed or a child complains of poor vision, parents seldom think of routine eye exams. Most people are surprised to hear that a child’s first eye exam should be between the ages of six and nine months and that children should have a yearly eye exam starting at three years of age.

Did You Know...

That children with vision difficulties are often diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder.

Vision disorders are the fourth most common disability in the U.S. and the most prevalent handicapping condition during childhood.

80% of children in learning disability (LD) classes have a vision problem which is the reason the State of Ohio now mandates an eye exam for each of those children.

80% of learning for children comes through the eyes.

Some children are labeled “learning disabled” or “hyper-active” when all they need is an eye exam and appropriate vision correction.

Simple vision screenings only identify 5% of vision problems in children according to the American Foundation for Vision Awareness.