Back to School Ready: Why Vision is Key to Learning Success

It's That Time Again!

As August rolls around, we're doing what we do every year: shining a bright spotlight on Vision and Learning Month! It's a crucial time, especially with school bells just around the corner, to make sure your child is truly ready for academic success. And where better to start than with a comprehensive vision evaluation?

You might be thinking, "My child had a vision screening at school, they're fine!" But here's the thing: while screenings are helpful, they often miss many subtle vision problems that can significantly impact learning. Why? Because there's so much more to vision than just having 20/20 eyesight.

Did you know that up to 80% of what your child learns in school comes through their vision, according to the American Optometric Association? That's a huge number! And it's not just about seeing clearly from a distance. A child's ability to learn effectively relies on several important visual skills, including:

• Eye tracking: Smoothly following words across a page.

• Eye focusing: Quickly and accurately adjusting focus from near (a book) to far (the whiteboard).

• Eye coordination: Working both eyes together as a team.

When these visual skills aren't fully developed, it can lead to what we call Learning-Related Vision Problems. You might see symptoms like:

• Losing their place while reading or re-reading lines

• Struggling with reading comprehension

• Words appearing to go in and out of focus

• Difficulties copying from the board

• Frequent headaches

These aren't just minor annoyances; they can make school a real struggle for your child.

So, as you gather school supplies and pick out new backpacks, remember to add one more essential item to your back-to-school checklist: a comprehensive vision examination with an eye care professional. It's an investment in your child's future, helping them unlock their full learning potential!