Detecting vision problems in children seems obvious to people. However, they are unaware that vision issues can be harder to detect than they think.
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Detecting vision problems in children seems obvious to people. However, they are unaware that vision issues can be harder to detect than they think. Even though many schools provide eye testing, many vision issues go undetected because the eye tests performed at schools as well as routine eye tests only test 20/20 vision rather than test the child's functioning and perceptual skills. Studies have shown that greater than 60 per cent of children diagnosed with a learning problem actually suffer from undetected vision problems.
Gary Rodney, an Australian behavioural optometrist, fellow of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (FIAOMC) and founder of Smart Vision Optometry explains why vision is important for learning as well as how undetected vision problems can lead to children not doing well in school.
The Function Of Vision In The Course Of Development
Children's growth, development, and performance all depend on their vision. It is clear that a significant portion of learning is processed visually. Vision and vision skills help children with their daily activities that they perform as well as in their development and growth. Vision is actually the capability of the visual system to direct the subject in precise directions. There are different processes performed by the eye. [1]
"There are five different areas when referring to the visual process which are all vision skills and independent of sight. The first is 'vision motor skills' - this involves using large areas of the body. The second is the 'special movements' area - this involves hand-eye coordination. The third area is the ability to comprehend and process visual information. This includes the ability for the eyes to work together. The fourth area is the connection between hearing, seeing and language. This is crucial because after visual identification of an item, a proper verbal match or reaction to that visual input must occur. The fifth and final area is visual perception and cognition. In order for a child to be successful in this area, they must be able to acquire visual information properly and then understand it," says Rodney.
Undetected Vision Problems and Children's Learning
It is not shocking that some of the early research conducted in the 1970s discovered emotional issues in children who had vision skills issues. The question is, do children who have undetected vision problems display learning and behavioural problems? Research indicates that this is in fact the truth. Children with vision-related learning issues feel a loss of direction, a sense of not belonging, a lack of self-confidence, and feelings of uneasiness, inadequacy, and inferiority.
Vision Problems And Behavioural Problems
Children who are experiencing undetected vision issues in school could also be suffering from other issues as a result. Vision issues might seem as though they are minor. However, if vision issues continue undetected they can lead to other problems which might be more serious. Research conducted in the late 1960s and early 1970s in conjunction with the juvenile courts, psychology, and optometry showed that there was an increasing number of children with learning disabilities in the juvenile courts. This study also found a link between juvenile delinquency, learning problems and vision skills problems.[2]
"Another aspect that needs to be considered is what emotional problems can be connected to undetected vision skills issues. As further studies were undertaken in the 1980s and 1990s, a much clearer picture emerged, revealing a link between vision skills, learning impairments, and juvenile delinquency," says Rodney.
Vision Issues And Illiteracy
In 1996 a study declared that 700,000 students drop out of high school every year. Many of these students come from low social economic backgrounds as well as from minority groups. Evaluations revealed that a considerable percentage of students in an academic and behaviourally at-risk demographic have undiscovered and untreated vision skills issues.
One of the study's most noteworthy findings was an 85 per cent failure rate on one or more sub tests of a comprehensive vision skills screening administered to elementary, middle, and high school students. The study concluded that it must become a priority for teachers to work with eye care professionals and community organisations to ensure that children have comprehensive vision skills assessments.
Ways To Prevent This Problem From Getting Worse
Working towards the shared objective of resolving the issues involved in children's vision skills and its link to learning issues, delinquency, illiteracy, and social and emotional difficulties, Rodney suggests that at the age of five, every child should have a Comprehensive Vision Skills Assessment. Every year after that each child should have an annual Comprehensive Vision Skills exam and not simply an eye test. Children should not be sent to school until they have all of the necessary supplies, including good vision skills, paper, pencils, and books.[3]
If parents feel that an undetected vision skills issue is affecting their children's schooling results, it is crucial to take them for a Comprehensive Vision Skills Assessment. Gary Rodney at Eyes InDesign Mosman, has a special interest in children's vision skills and will develop a unique wellness plan that can include specialised vision therapy to correct vision issues.
Smart Vision Optometry Eyes InDesign Mosman, provides professional expertise to best evaluate and treat eye-related queries and visual/vision skills problems and supports patients to optimise their visual health.
Smart Vision Optometry clinics are located in multiple suburbs in Sydney. Book a Smart Vision Comprehensive Vision Skills Assessment or Advanced Eye Health Test for any child or adult by calling the Mosman clinic (02) 9969 1600 or the Bondi clinic (02) 9365 5047, book an appointment online.
Written and syndicated by YDMA News.
[1]
Zaba, Joel. (2001). Social, Emotional and Educational Consequences of Undetected Children's Vision Problems. Journal of Behavioural Optometry. 12. 66.
[2]
Zaba, Joel. (2001). Social, Emotional and Educational Consequences of Undetected Children's Vision Problems. Journal of Behavioural Optometry. 12. 66.
[3]
Zaba, Joel. (2001). Social, Emotional and Educational Consequences of Undetected Children's Vision Problems. Journal of Behavioural Optometry. 12. 66.
Contact Info:
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Organization: Eyes InDesign Mosman
Address: 832 Military Rd, Mosman, New South Wales 2088, Australia
Phone: +61-2-9969-1600
Website: https://www.smartvisionoptometry.com.au/
Source: PressCable
Release ID: 89115003
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