Pediatrics
Pediatric Vision & Learning
Most people think that 20/20 is “perfect vision”, when in fact 20/20 is simply a measurement of what someone is able to see at a distance of 20 feet. Most of our learning is through reading, which is not at 20 feet at all. According to the National PTA “It is estimated that more than ten million children suffer from vision problems” that may cause them to fail in school.
Vision screenings in school and at the pediatrician’s office are NOT eye exams but only screenings. These “Screenings” usually only test one of the 15 skills and that is distance vision.
These vision “screenings” never test the 15 other visual skills required for reading and learning, including the ability to point the eyes together, to focus the eyes, to move across the page properly or tracking. These skills are NOT tested in vision screenings. Passing a vision screening which tests only distance vision leads parents to believe incorrectly that nothing is wrong with the child’s eyes.
If any of these visual skills are not working properly, it can make reading and learning an unnecessary challenge. Some children develop behavior problems, while others avoid reading or simply refuse to read. Usually the child is bright, causing parents to be confused by the child’s difficulties. Often the child is labeled hyperactive, lazy, or slow. What makes this even worse is that many of these problems can easily be mistaken as learning disabilities or attention problems such as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder).
If your child struggles with reading or learning, call our office to schedule a pediatric eye exam today.
