KIDS SEE: SUCCESS
Academic performance and children’s vision are inextricably linked. Experts cite that up to 80% of all learning occurs visually, leaving kids with poor vision at a major disadvantage. In 2016, the Vision Impact Institute, in partnership with Optometry Giving Sight and other organizations, created Kids See: Success, an initiative designed to advocate for eye exams for children before they enter kindergarten. Today, we are working in several states to ensure good policies for the future of children’s vision.
How Teachers Play a Role in Observing Poor Vision at School
Teachers often play a vital role in the vision health of their students. While 80% of a child’s learning happens through his or her eyes, more than 12.1 million school-age children in the U.S. have some form of vision problem. Poor vision in the classroom can lead to poor academic performance, lack of self-esteem, decreased socialization, and other outcomes. Together, we can give vision a voice for children around the world. View additional stories from parents and teachers.
Latest Updates
- 1. New Jersey Senate Education Committee Passes Bill Requiring Eye Exams for All Children Before Kindergarten. The New Jersey Legislature’s Senate Education Committee has officially passed SB 2804, a bill directing the State Board of Education to require children aged six (6) and under who are entering public schools or Head Start Programs for the first time to have a comprehensive eye exam.
- 2. New Jersey Senate Bill 2804 and Assembly Bill 4310 were introduced last summer to direct the State Board of Education to require each child, age six and younger, who is entering a public preschool, public school, or a Head Start Program for the first time, to have a comprehensive eye examination completed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist by January 1 of the child’s initial year of enrollment in the school or program.
- 3. Mississippi signs HB1322 into law, which calls for a face-to-face comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist for any child who fails a vision screening. The law, which will take effect on July 1, 2019, was signed by Governor Bryant on March 19, 2019, and will recommend that a child entering first grade have a comprehensive eye exam if the child’s initial screening indicates the need.
How Parents Play a Role in Observing Poor Vision at Home
Parents play an immensely critical role in the vision health of their children. Parents must be vigilant about noticing signs of vision problems at home and be proactive about communicating those signs with their children’s teachers.
What Parents Need to Know
When parents suspect that their child can’t see well it’s important to have their eyes checked by an optometrist or ophthalmologist who can perform a comprehensive eye exam. Read more here to learn why children’s eye exams are important, when to have your child’s eyes examined, how to schedule eye exams for your child and more.
Children’s Vision Exam Policies in the United States
- States with Comprehensive Eye Exams Policies for Children
- States Proposing Children’s Vision Policies for Eye Exam Legislations or with mandates/recommendations for eye exams after failed vision screenings
Because good vision is an essential part of a child’s learning, it is important for children to have a comprehensive eye exam to detect possible vision problems early and provide adequate treatment. While many states have vision screenings programs, research shows that these vision screenings are not enough to diagnose all vision problems and eye health issues. Many states do strongly encourage parents to ensure their children receive a full eye exam before they enter school for the first time.
Latest Social Updates
Partners Supporting the Kids See: Success Program
