School Vision Screenings Vs. Eye Exams
Because the ability to see well has such a direct relationship with a student's ability to behave and succeed in school, students across the nation are receiving vision screenings while in school. But what exactly does a school vision screening entail, and how does it differ from visiting your local eye doctor for a professional eye exam?
School Screening
Much of the learning that our children do is based entirely on being able to see their materials, whether that is the book in front of them, their test paper, or the teacher's notes on the blackboard. It comes as no surprise, then, that schools are invested in learning whether students can see properly and that they report their findings to parents out of hopes that the parents will fix the problem.
Schools regularly perform school vision screenings to check a child's eyesight and ability to see things far away. Vision screenings are often a parent's first professional notice that their child may be struggling to see. Sadly, they are no substitute for an eye exam. These screenings are often performed by school nurses, not by optometrists, and students are not thoroughly tested to determine all potential issues. The American Optometric Association specifically warns that school vision screenings are not able to accurately assess your child's eye health.
Eye Exam
In contrast, a professionally conducted eye exam puts you, your child, and a doctor in a room and ensures that your child's vision is fully tested to determine what issues, if any, exist. Should your child have vision difficulties, your eye doctor will be able to give them a prescription to correct their vision after the exam. Even children who pass their school vision screenings should be examined by an eye doctor to ensure that there are no issues that school screeners may have missed.
There is No Substitute for a Real Eye Exam!
Remember: although school vision screenings may help you to determine that your child's eyes are not performing at their best, they are no substitute for having a professional optometrist examine your child. School vision screeners have to examine a very high number of patients, and they are simply unable to take the time they need to ensure that they have a proper prescription for your child.
Instead, these screenings are largely intended to help parents know that their child needs to have an official eye exam and be fitted for glasses.
If your child has had a school vision screening and the screener recommended that your child be fitted for glasses, don't delay: schedule an eye exam with a doctor of optometry as soon as you can. Poor vision can have a wide-reaching effect on your child, including contributing to behavioral problems and poor grades. Giving your child the gift of healthy eyesight is often the best gift you could ever give them.
School Screening
Much of the learning that our children do is based entirely on being able to see their materials, whether that is the book in front of them, their test paper, or the teacher's notes on the blackboard. It comes as no surprise, then, that schools are invested in learning whether students can see properly and that they report their findings to parents out of hopes that the parents will fix the problem.
Schools regularly perform school vision screenings to check a child's eyesight and ability to see things far away. Vision screenings are often a parent's first professional notice that their child may be struggling to see. Sadly, they are no substitute for an eye exam. These screenings are often performed by school nurses, not by optometrists, and students are not thoroughly tested to determine all potential issues. The American Optometric Association specifically warns that school vision screenings are not able to accurately assess your child's eye health.
Eye Exam
In contrast, a professionally conducted eye exam puts you, your child, and a doctor in a room and ensures that your child's vision is fully tested to determine what issues, if any, exist. Should your child have vision difficulties, your eye doctor will be able to give them a prescription to correct their vision after the exam. Even children who pass their school vision screenings should be examined by an eye doctor to ensure that there are no issues that school screeners may have missed.
There is No Substitute for a Real Eye Exam!
Remember: although school vision screenings may help you to determine that your child's eyes are not performing at their best, they are no substitute for having a professional optometrist examine your child. School vision screeners have to examine a very high number of patients, and they are simply unable to take the time they need to ensure that they have a proper prescription for your child.
Instead, these screenings are largely intended to help parents know that their child needs to have an official eye exam and be fitted for glasses.
If your child has had a school vision screening and the screener recommended that your child be fitted for glasses, don't delay: schedule an eye exam with a doctor of optometry as soon as you can. Poor vision can have a wide-reaching effect on your child, including contributing to behavioral problems and poor grades. Giving your child the gift of healthy eyesight is often the best gift you could ever give them.
Dr. Grace Kim is Chairperson for Clinical Advisory Panel of America's Best, a nationwide eyeglasses retailer. With over 300 locations nationwide, America's Best provides thousands of high quality eyewear to customers every day. They carry a wide selection of designer eyeglasses and contact lenses in each of their stores, and they also offer eye exams. Learn more about designer eyeglasses at http://www.twopair.com/eyeglasses/designer-glasses/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Grace_Kim
No comments:
Post a Comment