Comprehensive Eye Exams Are Overlooked for Children

It’s back to school time, and parents have prepared their children with school supplies and trips to the pediatrician, but there is one thing that most parents probably overlook: a comprehensive eye exam. Eighty percent of learning comes from vision and, unfortunately, nearly 1 in 4 children suffer from an undiagnosed vision problem that impacts their learning. This is no surprise as 30% of children’s vision problems go undetected during routine school eye screenings and visits with their pediatricians. Even a child with 20/20 vision may suffer from an undetected vision problem.

Children with uncorrected vision conditions or eye health problems face many barriers academically, socially and in athletics. Board-certified Optometrist Dr. Helen Zervas of Family Eye Care in Bristol says that, “Children may suffer from an undetected problem such as farsightedness, Amblyopia where the vision in one of the eyes is reduced because the eye and the brain are not working together properly, or even Retinoblastoma, an eye cancer especially prevalent in children. When a child can see properly, they can learn to his/her greatest potential.”

Visual Acuity or clearness of vision is only the first step in helping a child learn. It is important for parents to be educated about the types of diagnostic exams that are needed, and the solutions available to help children to reach their full potential in academics and athletics this school year. Dr. Zervas says that, “Timing is key. Perhaps the strongest argument for parents getting their children’s eyes examined is the fact that 90% of brain development occurs between birth and five years of age. From 3-6 years, we can correct issues that are missed. For those children who are diagnosed with a vision problem, we are experts in therapeutic options. Early detection is key to developing an effective treatment plan.”

Yet, according to The Vision Council, 35.5% of parents report that they have never been to an eye doctor. And while pediatric exams can be inaccurate, eye doctors who are specially trained in matters related to vision can use special drops to get an exact reading. Zervas says, “This is particularly important for young kids when relying on their ‘subjectivity’ to assess what they can or cannot see.”

According to the National Commission on Vision and Health, “Children who are successfully treated for their eye problems show increased performance in school, [including] improved grades and higher scores on standardized tests.” Family Eye Care is committed to children’s eye health, and ensures that all children receive compassionate wellness care that can improve their quality of life. They also offer a broad range of eyewear designed especially for children, including lens which filter blue light from electronic devices.

Family Eye Care is located at 580 King Street in Bristol. The office can be reached at 860.584.5528 or online at https://www.familyeyecaredr.com/. Family Eye Care is a warm and welcoming family practice offering a full range of optometry care for every age and life stage.