"Vision

screenings play a helpful role," noted Dr. Victor J. Connors, president

of the AOA, "but they should not take the place of a comprehensive

eye exam from an eye doctor."

In an examination,

the eye doctor measures the eyes' ability to work together, to focus properly,

and to move together in activities such as across a page of print or following

a ball all necessary functions for healthy and productive learning in

the classroom.

Undetected

vision problems are easily overlooked by parents, teachers, and children

themselves. Children assume that what they see is what everyone sees even

if it's blurry. If your child exhibits any of the following behaviors,

consider making an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam:

Loses place

while reading.

Avoids close

work.

Holds reading

material closer than normal, brings it closer while reading, or shifts

it often.

Tends to rub

eyes.

Has headaches.

Turns or tilts

head to use one eye only.

Makes frequent

reversals when reading or writing.

Uses fingers

to maintain place when reading.

Omits or confuses

small words when reading.

Consistently

performs below potential.

Ensure that

your children can make the most of their five senses in the classroom.

Make an appointment for a Back-in-School eye examination now. Please visit

the American Optometric Association Web site at www.aoa.org, or the Vision

Council of America Web site at www.checkyearly.com for more information.

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