Vision Screenings

Statistics parents should know about children’s vision:

• 20% of kindergarten students have vision problems
• By high school graduation, 30-40% of students have a vision problem
• 70% of juvenile delinquents have a vision problem
• Research indicates that 60% of individuals enrolled in literacy programs have vision problems

Why do children need a vision assessment?
Many parents believe that school vision screenings are adequate. While screenings that involve reading an eye chart can uncover certain problems, they do not evaluate skills such as focusing, eye alignment, depth perception, color vision, peripheral side vision, or eye health – all of which are critical to a child’s ability to learn. An eye examination by a licensed eye care specialist prior to entering school is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Optometric Association, American Public Health Association, and Preventing Blindness America.

•  Step 1: Ongoing education to alert parents and educators about the signs of vision problems in children of any age
• Step 2: A FREE vision assessment for three-year-old children by licensed optometrists participating in the Hope Now Vision program. Early detection is important in order to correct vision problems.
• Step 3. A complete eye examination, paid for by the parent, before or during the child’s first year of school. This is a small investment in a child’s ability to learn.

Our Hope Now Vision program is supported and run by committed community partners.