Almost 80% of Preschoolers Have Never Had an Eye Exam

A recent nationwide survey of nearly 4,000 Americans by VSP revealed that nearly 8 out of 10 children under the age of five have never had a comprehensive eye exam. The American Optometric Association warns that school vision screenings may not accurately measure your child's overall eye health.

James Short, OD, chair of VSP Vision Care's board of directors, says "Before children enter school, an eye doctor should examine the eyes for signs of astigmatism, nearsightedness, farsightedness and also examine the structure of the eye for tell-tale signs of serious diseases affecting more American kids each year, including diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol."

Further Reading:

• School Vision Screenings
• Computer Vision Syndrome and Children
• 10 Signs Your Child Needs Glasses

_{Source: VSP Family of Companies, VSP Vision Care Study: Nearly 8 Out Of 10 American Kids Under Five Have Never Had An Eye Exam. Medical News Today, 7 sept 2008.}