New Law Seeks to correct Childhood Vision Problems Early
Research indicates that 80% of all learning during a
child's first 12 years of life is obtained through vision. But an estimated
10 million children have vision problems that could prevent them from
doing their best in the classroom.
In September 2001, Wisconsin became one of 12 states that has legislation
encouraging children to have their vision checked before starting kindergarten.
The Children's Vision Law takes effect at the start of the 2002-03 school
year.
"Often young children enter school without knowing that they have
a vision problem," said Gov. Scott McCallum. "This lack of awareness
can cause a child who is otherwise eager to learn to quickly fall behind."
According to the law, children entering kindergarten in Wisconsin's public
schools will be encouraged to undergo vision examinations by an optometrist
or physician. Upon completion of the test, the doctor should sign a report
that indicates the results. Parents should submit the report to their
child's school as proof of the eye exam.
Members of the Wisconsin Optometric
Association will provide free eye exams to children without health
insurance who cannot afford the tests.
Prevent Blindness Wisconsin, an organization that strives to preserve
sight, offers a series of videos for educators that promote eye health
and safety to young children. The videos are part of a kit that includes
a teacher's guide, posters and coloring books for classroom activities.
The organization estimates that one in every 20 preschoolers has an eye
problem that, if left untreated, could lead to permanent vision loss.
Here are some signs that a child may be suffering from vision impairment:
- Rubs eyes excessively
- Shuts or covers one eye
- Holds objects close to eyes
- Squints eyelids together or frowns
- Has red-rimmed or swollen eyelids
- Has inflamed or watery eyes
- Has itching or burning in the eyes
Has blurred or double vision.
Prevent Blindness has three eye tests available from its Web site, www.preventblindness.org.
The tests can be printed by parents and teachers and used as a preliminary
eye exam for children.
Posted May 21, 2002