Why

Should I Get My Child’s Vision Screened?

Amblyopia (lazy eye) is the #1 cause of preventable, yet permanent, vision loss in children in the USA.

80% of all visual impairment can be prevented or cured, according to the World Health Organization.

19 million children worldwide are visually impaired.

1 in every 20 children has a significant eye disorder, such as amblyopia.

Healthy eyes and vision are important to a child’s early development and education.

Vision loss from amblyopia limits career opportunities as an adult.

It is tragic to have children come in when the problem is detected too late and there is little we can do.

When

Should My Child Get Screened?

And repeat every one or two years.

Vision screening is as much a priority as checking height and weight, or discussing nutrition, oral health, safety, and vaccinations.

Where

Can I Get My Child’s Vision Screened?

pediatrician or family doctor’s office

at school

at a community screening

But Won't I Notice

If My Child Has a Vision Problem?

Not Always

Little children don’t know they can’t see well, especially if it is just one eye.

Often there are no signs and the disease can silently hide from the most attentive parents and pediatricians.

What Is

Amblyopia (lazy eye)?

Amblyopia is decreased vision in one or both eyes due to abnormal development of vision in infancy or childhood.

Vision loss occurs because nerve pathways between the eye and the brain aren’t properly stimulated. The brain “learns” to see only blurry images with the amblyopic eye.

As a result, the brain favors one eye and neglects or suppresses the other.

Is it Easy

to Take a Vision Screening Test?

Yes, it is quick and easy.

AND NO EYE DROPS ARE NEEDED

Instrument-Based Screening

This is as simple as taking a quick photo that uses a specialized digital camera.

Chart-Based Screening

The child reads an eye chart, which tests vision using letters, numbers or pictures.

Should I Trust the Results

of a Vision Screen?

Yes 

Vision screening accurately identifies most children with serious eye problems.

Children should have a comprehensive eye exam if

they fail a routine vision screening or 

have a family history of vision or eye disorders at early age.

What If

My Child Has an Abnormal Screening Test Result?

You will be referred to an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye exam.

For help locating a pediatric ophthalmologist, visit