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. Pennsylvania plans to require eye health examinations at crucial points in children’s development. In Pennsylvania, 72,600 pre-school children, and up to 25% of children in grades K through 6 have vision disorders. The numbers are even higher in children at risk and special needs children. By identifying early those children who are having problems learning due to vision deficits, the legislation will result in significant savings to school districts since the number of students placed in special education programs will decrease.
• 2. New Jersey Governor Conditionally Vetos Bill Requiring Eye Exams for All Children. New Jersey’s Governor, Phil Murphy, has conditionally vetoed SB2804, opting to reduce the requirement to vision screenings instead of comprehensive eye exams. While we are disappointed in the governor’s decision we are also very optimistic that with the work of partners, collaborators and vision advocates, we will continue to see others take on the fight for the vision health and education of kids across the country. Read more in our opinion piece on nj.com.
• 3. 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.
• 4. 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