7 Healthcast: Vision Screening

This fall, there's one more thing on the back-to-school checklist. Under new state law, all kids going into kindergarten must have a vision screening before they enter the classroom.

"Generations of children that have had vision problems present at early ages have been missed," New England College of Optometry’s Dr. Bruce Moore said.

And that's why Dr. Moore of the New England College of Optometry helped get that legislation passed. His new study found that early testing could make a big difference.

Approximately 15-20 percent of children in the preschool age population, defined as age 3-5 years of age have significant vision problems. And if not corrected at an early age, this can result in reduced vision later on.

"It's important to identify these problems as early as possible so that it does not cause problems educationally for the child," Dr. Moore said.

The study is eye opening. It also finds that initial vision screening doesn't necessarily mean a trip to the eye doctor. Nurses and even parents can be specially trained to do these vision screenings effectively.

Dr. Moore said having your kids eye's checked now would have them seeing things more clearly later on.

"Identification of problems, potential problems really leads to better treatment outcome. If your child fails a vision screening, they will need to go to an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam," Dr. Moore said.

If you have any questions about the vision screening requirements, you should contact your school district.

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