ABC’s Of Eyecare

Poor vision is one of the leading causes of learning difficulties in elementary school children.  In research conducted by the American Optometric Association and the Vision Council of America, only 8 percent of adults identified eye problems as the main obstacle for struggling students.  Often children faced with poor vision are deemed problem learners, when in fact they simply can’t see well.  (Health Alert; Sight For Sore Eyes;Better Homes & Gardens June 2004)      

Failure to diagnose and treat a vision problem could lead to poor grades, low self-esteem and a negative school experience.  Children often do not recognize that they have a vision problem because they have “always seen this way” or the changes that are occurring in their vision have been so gradual that they don’t even perceive that there has been a change.  Many parents and educators all too often rely on the Snellen (Big E) chart to screen children’s vision. Unfortunately, a Snellen chart screening will only detect 20 to 30 percent of their vision problems.  The other 70 to 80 percent may be due to conditions such as “lazy eye”, cataracts or diabetic retinopathy (which if left undetected may lead to serious problems or even blindness).  A comprehensive eye exam by an Optometrist measures a number of visual skills that are critical to a child’s healthy vision, such as 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 a page of print.  Making a student’s first test a vision exam will prepare children to enter school ready to gain the knowledge and skills that will remain with them their entire lives.  How well a child can see will have a great impact on how much and/or how quickly they will learn. 

To emphasize the importance of an Annual Back-to-School Checkup, the Vision Council of America, through its Better Vision Institute, created a national campaign called the ABC’s of Eyecare.  As a sponsor of the ABC’s of Eyecare program, Rx Optical is prepared to present classroom lessons to increase students’ awareness of the importance of eyecare and safety.  This hands-on presentation is customized according to the students’ age group and includes a visual explanation of the eye and how it works, vision screening demonstrations, discussion of eye safety and classroom participation.  We also offer students a Vision Advantage Program Brochure to use at any Rx Optical location.  The VAP Program offers savings on eye exams and greater than 30% savings on frames, lenses and special pricing on contact lenses. 

Visits to your school can be scheduled now.  If you have any questions regarding this program for your students or would like to schedule a classroom presentation, please call our Student Development Coordinator at 1-800-Rx-CARES.

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