be corrected. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the eyes from getting weaker with time.
These exams are especially important for children who have a parent or sibling with eye issues. Parents should also schedule an eye exam if they suspect a child has vision concerns.
If there are no problems identified in the initial exam, the child does not need another eye exam until it is time to start school. At that time, a child should receive a comprehensive eye exam, according to the American Optometric Association.
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Parents often think an eye exam is unnecessary because many schools have vision screenings for students. But a vision screening only checks if a student can read an eye chart.
A child who can read an eye chart might still have issues related to eye focusing and eye coordination.
In fact, according to the American Optometric Association, up to 75 percent of school vision screenings miss vision problems.
It’s not always obvious when a child has vision problems. But having a child’s vision checked in the first year of life, and then before starting school will help ensure that any problems are identified and corrected.
If a child says they can’t see or shows signs of vision problems mentioned above, have their vision checked. The benefit is helping your child perform at his or her best both in and out of the classroom.