In a recent

address to the AOA, President Jimmy Carter spoke out on the necessity

of comprehensive eye exams for all preschool children, noting that his

own grandchildren were not diagnosed with vision problems until second

grade.

Your child's eyes

"Thorough

eye exams for school-age children are important because vision changes

can occur without you or your child noticing," said Dr. Jeff Smith,

vice president of professional services at Pearle Vision. "Most common

eye problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, amblyopia (lazy

eye) and astigmatism can be successfully treated when caught early."

As a parent,

be alert for symptoms that indicate poor vision. If your child uses a

finger to maintain their place when reading, holds reading materials close

to their face, tends to rub their eyes frequently or complains of headaches,

their vision may need correction.

Glasses are cool

The American

Optometric Association reports that approximately 58.8 million children

in the United States wear corrective lenses. And these days, with all

the frame choices available, wearing glasses is now considered cool.

Realizing that

even their youngest customers have become savvy shoppers, Pearle Vision

offers many styles for kids and teens that are at the height of fashion.

Pearle Vision

carries a variety of frames geared especially towards kids, including

styles from Candies, Converse and StrideRite. New this season is the kid-friendly

Nickelodeon line that features SpongeBob SquarePants, Blues Clues and

Wild Thornberrys with each frame capturing the personality of a favorite

Nick cartoon character.

In addition

to brand names, another trend for kids is to mimic grown-up styles. Dan

Griffin, brand management director for Pearle Vision, says that kids are

becoming quite fashion conscious.

"Some

of the newest kids' styles are scaled-down versions of popular adult looks,"

he explained. "It makes wearing glasses 'cool' for kids."

Visiting an

optical center such as Pearle Vision, where kids are able to try on a

broad assortment of frames, allows kids to choose glasses they like and

will enjoy wearing. "We want them to feel confident wearing their

glasses," stated Griffin. "That's why Pearle Vision offers such

a great selection of styles for kids of all ages."

KidSAFE lenses

When it comes

to your children's eyes, safety is a priority. Pearle Vision fits children

with exclusive kidSAFE lenses, which are lightweight, impact and scratch

resistant polycarbonate lenses designed to help protect your child's eyes

at home, in the classroom and at play.

Now through

Sept. 28, Pearle Vision is offering free glasses for you or your child

when an adult pair is purchased at regular price. (Contact any Pearle

Vision store for details.) At Pearle Vision, innovative lens technology

and cutting-edge fashion frames combine for the ultimate comfort and optimum

style in eyewear.

Comprehensive

eye exams are available by independent doctors of optometry at or next

to Pearle Vision stores throughout the United States.

To locate a

Pearle Vision store near you, visit www.pearlevision.com or call (800)

YES-EYES.

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