A Comprehensive Eye Exam: Your First Line of Defense for Learning Success

Background

Vision plays such a vital role in a child’s learning success. Many of the symptoms and behaviors often associated with learning disabilities are very similar to those caused by vision problems. In fact, in some cases, students with real vision problems are sometimes mistaken for having learning disabilities (AD/HD, autism, and other issues). For this reason, it is critical that a comprehensive vision examination be part of a complete evaluation of every child who is failing to succeed in school.

The College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) has provided an excellent checklist with some signs and symptoms to look for that may indicate a vision problem. This checklist is accessible by visiting http://www.covd.org/Home/ParentResourceCenter/SymptomsChecklist/tabid/279/Default.aspx

How to Properly Identify a Vision Problem

Children should be referred for a comprehensive eye exam whenever visual symptoms are noticed or if they are not achieving their potential. Important: Many of these vision problems will not be detected during a school vision screening or limited vision assessment as part of a school physical or routine pediatric health evaluation.

Locate a medical professional (i.e. developmental optometrist) in your area who is experienced and knowledgeable in diagnosing and treating learning-related vision problems. An online tool for locating such a medical professional is available at https://covdwp.memberpoint.com/WebPortal/BuyersGuide/ProfessionalSearch.aspx

Resources and Support

COVD Parent Resource Center:
http://covd.org/Parents/tabid/264/Default.aspx

Information about Insurance Coverage for Vision Therapy:
http://covd.org/InsuranceCoverageforVisionTherapy/tabid/85/Default.aspx

What is Vision Therapy?
http://covd.org/AboutVisionTherapy/tabid/71/Default.aspx

Jillian's Story: How Vision Therapy Changed My Daughter's Life by Robin Benoit and Jillian Benoit--- An inspiring story of determination---This book offers "a deeply personal account along with life-changing information on the importance of vision therapy." http://www.jilliansstory.com/

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com For AD/HD focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For AD/HD info and support
314-892-3897

Source of information: Credits to http://covd.org/ The official site of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development