Introduction

Sight affects every aspect of our daily life! Sight is so fundamental to life that any disruption to visual function will impede learning. Visual function is the sum of (a) overall health, (b) visual acuity, (c) binocular vision, (d) eye movements and (e) visual processing. (American Academy of Optometry and American Optometric Association, 1996). A vision disorder can affect all aspects of human development including cognition, physical capacity, psychological growth, and social involvement. If a vision problem exists, addressing it early in life is critical so that children can develop their full abilities and are not left academically behind or unnecessarily “labeled.”

You may be surprised to know that visual disorders are a leading cause of disabilities in the United States, and are the most prevalent disability in children. Although less than 1% of children with decreased vision have actual eye pathology, refractive errors affect 15-25% of children.

Early Detection

Why make such a case out of early detection of vision problems; is it that critical? Yes. If detected, effective treatment is probable, mitigating the risk of permanent vision loss and developmental and learning disabilities. The brain requires constant visual stimulation during the first three to four years of life. If the brain fails to get this stimulation due to any of the factors mentioned above, the neural development of the eye may be affected causing irreparable eye damage. Despite this critical fact, it is a grim reality that less than 15% of all preschool children receive an eye examination and fewer than 22% receive any type of vision screening. Additional compelling statistics are available at http://www.nei.nih.gov/neitrials/static/study85.asp

In the state of Kansas a child needing assistance in achieving mastery of basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills “shall be encouraged to obtain an eye examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist to determine if the child suffers from conditions which impair the ability to read…” (KSA 72-5205[b]). If you are not from Kansas check your state statutes for appropriate referral recommendations.

Healthy People 2010

In the federal document known as Healthy People 2010, the prevalence and importance of vision disorders is now in the forefront: vision health is a recognized target of concern. The broad objectives in Healthy People 2010 specify two over-riding national goals: to increase the quality and years of a healthy life and to eliminate health disparities. Specific to this lesson, Healthy People 2010 challenges vision health providers and others (including consumers), to address ten vision objectives aimed at prevention, early detection, treatment and rehabilitation. Review these ten vision objectives now: http://www.healthypeople.gov

Which of the ten vision objectives do you think you could promote in your professional role? Which vision objectives best align with this educational program? The answer to the latter question is below.

Both the American Academy of Optometry and the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommend a vision evaluation by a health care provider at birth for low risk infants and by a pediatric specialist for high risk infants. Examples of infants at high risk include those who have retinopathy of prematurity, cataracts, or a family history of retinoblastoma.

Vision evaluations by a health care provider are also recommended at six months and three years, followed by a vision exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist at five years of age. To compare and contrast these standards, go to http://www.aaopt.org and http://www.aao.org.

Complete This Commitment Statement:

I, , now recognize the importance of my role in saving the lives of children through promoting their vision health. I will promote vision screenings and observe for signs of visual impairments, be they as simple as refractive errors, or more complicated. Specifically, I will:

(List one or more activities.)

If you would like, send your commitment statement to: VISION HEALTH, KU HealthPartners; Mail Stop 4043; 3901 Rainbow Boulevard; Kansas City, KS 66160.

You are to be commended for being a caring professional!