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Ready For School
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For parents of school age children, this time of year is full of preparation and anticipation. It’s their child’s venture into a multitude of new experiences: meeting new friends, learning new things, and being introduced to a broader world.
However, according to the results of the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) first American Eye-Q™ survey, many parents are sending their children back to school without all of the resources that will ensure that their children learn to the best of their ability.
American Eye-Q™ survey results reveal:
- 44% of parents don’t realize that behavioral problems can be an indication that a child's vision is impaired.
- 29% of all children have never been to the eye doctor.
- Only 10% of parents adhere to eye doctors’ recommendations of having an infant’s eyes examined prior to their first birthday.
AOA wants the experience for all school-aged children to be positive and productive and one of the most important things parents can do to help their child succeed, is to take them for a comprehensive eye exam. Studies show that approximately 80 percent of all learning during a child’s first 12 years is obtained through the eyes. Without a comprehensive eye exam, many children have vision problems that can go undiagnosed, and may even be misdiagnosed as a learning disorder.
Enclosed you will find several resources that will help you share this important information with your readers. The materials will provide important insight into the differences between eye screenings and comprehensive eye examinations and how vision and learning are connected. The enclosed kit also includes a news release summarizing the results of the American Eye-Q™ survey, the complete American Eye-Q™ Report Card for parents, and tips for your readers on what to look for when choosing children’s eyewear.
Thank you for sharing this story with your readers and helping to make sure America’s children have the ability to succeed in school. Please contact us if you have any questions.
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