Free or low-cost eye exams for kids
September 10, 2009 by Jennifer Chait
Filed under Health & Wellness
According to The Vision Council, many kids aren’t getting the eye exams and eye care they need. A new report by The Vision Council, Making the Grade, “finds state laws regarding vision assessments for children entering school are inconsistent, impeding children’s ability to succeed in school.” As much as 80% of what your child learns in school (and elsewhere) is through the visual processing of information so undetected vision problems can really impact your little one’s cognitive development. The Councils notes that “Early detection and treatment of vision problems are key to preventing permanent vision loss in children.”
Key findings from the report note that:
- Nine states do not require children to receive a vision assessment before starting school;
- Thirty-nine states (including D.C.) require a vision screening for children entering school; however 32 of these states do not mandate any follow-up care for children who fail the screening; and
- Three states require all children to receive a comprehensive eye exam by an eye care professional before entering elementary school.
What’s obnoxious is that I can’t find info on the Vision Council site about help for parents that can’t afford eye exams for their kids. They do offer info on Vision Care for Kids Act but that’s more policy related. It’s all good and well to say, “Do this, do that” but if parents can’t afford it, that’s a whole other issue.
That said, I did some searching. If you can’t afford eye exams for your child the following links may be able to help…
[image via stock.xchng]
Great websites for free and low cost vision care, thanks!
Thank you Thrifty Mommy for your time and efforts. It is all well and good for these agencies to release information such as the Vision Council did in an attempt to create public awareness. But the financial inability to provide the proper medical care some parents experience can be frustrating and overwhelming for low-income parents. Luckily there are also people like you!!