Children's classroom performance can refer to their ability to understand what is seen and to use vision skills effectively. Concerned parents and educators recognize the importance of vision as a determining factor in the progress and well-being of developing youngsters.

Researchers at the Gesell Institute of Child Development have found that many children are not ready visually for the demands of the grade in which they are placed. With four out of ten grade school children in the United States having vision problems inhibiting school achievement, the question of vision maturity becomes a significant factor.

A Word About Vision Screening.

Many schools and parent-teacher groups render a valuable service to students by conducting preventive vision screening programs. However, these screenings should not be confused with a thorough vision examination by a doctor of optometry. The typical school eye chart is designed to be seen at 20 feet and measures how well or poorly the child sees with each eye at that distance. Problems with near vision, eye coordination and focusing ability are among the many problems that may not be discovered in this test. Vision problem detection is greatly aided by the observant parent or educator who can recognize signs of vision problems, particularly while the child is reading or watching television.

Elements Of Good School Vision.

Efficient vision is comprised of numerous requirements and these must be considered in a complete vision analysis - especially for the school child. How well a child's vision capabilities are geared for all the changing demands of the classroom, particularly the need for sustained near-point visual performance, must be determined. Here are a few of the more basic school vision needs:

Signs To Watch For.

An observant parent or educators may be the first to notice signs of a vision problem in the child. Some specific indications of possible vision problems are when a child:

After completing the examination, the doctor of optometry will recommend treatment if any problems are indicated. If near-sightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism exists, glasses or contact lenses (for the older child) may be prescribed. Lenses may also be prescribed to enable the child to function with greater visual ease and efficiency. Minimal prescriptions and prevention measures may be used to help combat vision problems.

Vision therapy can be prescribed to treat conditions which cannot adequately be treated with glasses or contact lenses alone. Through the use of vision therapy to reinforce or recondition visual skills, such as poor eye coordination and movement, crossed eyes, lazy eye (amblyopia), perceptual problems and lack of focusing ability may be improved.

Homework Center.

A child should have a suitable place for homework - an area which is evenly lit to prevent glare or large dark areas. It also helps if the environment is comfortable and attractive - a setting that a child can enjoy without distractions.

The child's chair and table should be an appropriate size for proper posture, and breaks should be taken regularly to stretch the body and rest the eyes.

Encourage and assist the child in developing reading skills. By example, adults have the ability to positively influence a child's reading habits.

Television Viewing.

Concerned parents and educators are aware of the tremendous influence to television has on developing youngsters. It is important that a planned "TV time" be scheduled to allow time for individual self-expression through exercise and creative play.

When watching television, doctors of optometry recommend the following:

As you can see, there are a number of ways parents and educators can be promote vision care among children, beginning with periodic professional examinations for every school age child. By being alert to any problems that may occur, you can enrich a child's future.