NSU College of Optometry Offers Free Eye Exams to Children

Twenty percent of children entering kindergarten in the United States may have vision conditions that can hinder their ability to read and to learn. The American Optometric Association states that eye and vision assessment of these children prior to the start of school is essential for early detection and treatment. According to Dr. George Foster, Dean of the College of Optometry at Northeastern State University, "Detection and treatment for these children are critical because by the time they reach high school, the number of students with vision problems jumps to 30 percent."

Through a program called SEE TO LEARN, parents may bring their children, ages four and under, to the Optometry Clinics at NSU for a free eye and vision assessment. According to Dr. Foster, the SEE TO LEARN program was originally started in Kansas by the Kansas Optometric Association. The program was in response to the concern of many optometrists who saw children and young adults with vision problems that went undiagnosed until it was too late to treat the problem. By the time the parents brought the children in for an eye exam, they had already fallen behind in school. Dr. Foster also notes that more than 30 percent of special education children have vision problems.

Dr. Michele Bither, Coordinator of the SEE TO LEARN program at NSUCO, stated that many vision problems cannot be detected at regular school screenings. Therefore, parents assume that their children's vision is fine, when there may actually be some potentially sight-threatening problems. "The children must have a complete eye and vision assessment to be able to pick up on these potential problems," she stated.

"Early vision and eye health assessment may be even more important for a child's future than parents realize. The consequences of undetected vision problems may have far-reaching effects. Research studies show that more than 60 percent of people in adult literacy programs have vision problems, and it's been found that 70 percent of juvenile delinquents have vision problems as well," Bither added. "We feel so strongly that every child four and under should receive this care, that we are providing this service at no cost to families in our community and region." For many years, optometrists in this region have donated their services to assist needy families and children with their vision needs through civic groups and community service programs. Optometrists and auxiliary members have also worked in literacy programs helping adults to learn to read, because more than 60 percent of the adults in those programs have eye or vision problems.

"The University wants to do our part to help the community and to help our children keep their most precious gift: sight," said Dr. Foster.

To schedule an appointment for a free vision assessment for any children, aged four and under, call the NSU Optometry Clinic at 918-458-2109 and ask for an appointment through the SEE TO LEARN program.

Published: 2001-06-22 00:00:00