The Fayetteville Press Newspaper

The state of Kentucky was the first state to pass the mandatory eye exam law in 2000. Since then, the mandatory eye exams have detected vision problems in about 20% of children. What’s surprising is that some people in NC disagree with the new law. Some even say it’s unconstitutional and that the current vision screening system works fine. If the current system was working, then 3 to 5 percent of our school age children would not have amblyopia (lazy eye). Some basic facts:

"It is estimated that 80% of children with a learning disability have anundiagnosed vision problem." (Vision Council of America) "25% of students in grades k-6 have visual problems that are serious enough to impede learning." (American Public Health Association) "10% of preschoolers and 25% of school age children have undiagnosed vision problems." (US Dept. of Health and Human Services)

Then there is the issue of cost. Some feel that mandatory eye exams are not cost effective. I ask how does one determine the cost of a comprehensive eye health examination to the long term cost of a preventable eye disease or vision problem that affects learning. Any road blocks to learning must be removed so that children will have the best chance at achieving and becoming productive citizens in society. With that said, state funding is available for those not covered by private insurance or unable to afford an eye exam. Programs such as The Governor Children Vision Care Program have set aside $2 million dollars for children who do not qualify for other assistance programs.

Currently there is a big push for all states to have some sort of eye exam program. States such as Ohio, Nebraska, Massachusetts, Arkansas and Rhode Island have recently established their own programs of children vision care laws. Contact your local and state representative and let them know how important it is for children to get comprehensive eye health examinations before entering kindergarten. Here at Eye Medics: Adult & Pediatric EyeCare, we believe in giving children the best chance to succeed, not only in school, but in life as well.