Back-To-School Eye Care
Your child’s vision is essential to success in school. When vision suffers, chances are school work does, too. The American Optometric Association (AOA) states that one in four school-aged children has a vision problem, which if undiagnosed, may negatively affect the child’s school performance. Virginia Eye Institute (VEI) recognizes the important role that vision plays in learning.
VEI representatives have begun speaking with educators and school nurses in the area to help identify warning signs that a child might be suffering from poor vision. If poor vision is suspected in a child, then Virginia Eye Institute’s highly trained staff of pediatric ophthalmologists, optometrists, orthoptists, and opticians will work with the parents, school nurses, pediatricians, and the child for further evaluation and treatment.
Warning signs of possible vision problems in children
A refractive error is the most common cause of vision problems among school-age children. Thankfully, properly prescribed eye glasses can usually correct a child’s refractive error. As children return to school this fall, parents and teachers should be aware of these 10 signs that a child’s vision may need correction:
1. Consistently sitting too close to the TV or holding a book close for viewing
2. Losing one’s place while reading or using a finger to guide
3. Squinting or tilting the head to see better
4. Frequent eye rubbing
5. Sensitivity to light and/or excessive tearing
6. Closing one eye to read, to watch TV, or to see better
7. Avoiding activities that require near vision, such as reading or homework; or avoiding activities that require distance vision, such as participating in sports or other recreational activities
8. Complaining of headaches or tired eyes
9. Avoiding using a computer because it “hurts the eyes”
10. Receiving lower grades than usual without other explanation
If you would like a Virginia Eye Institute representative to come to your school, please contact:
Jane Broadbent
Director of Marketing and Communications
(804) 287-4701
