Vision screenings are one of the most successful public health tools we have for protecting children’s vision. Every year, thousands of Wisconsin children receive screenings through schools, pediatricians, and Prevent Blindness Wisconsin, helping identify vision problems early so children can receive the care they need to succeed in school and life.
These screenings make a real difference. They are efficient, effective, and often serve as a child’s first opportunity to identify a vision concern. Families should feel confident knowing that if their child is referred after a vision screening, that referral is an important step toward protecting their vision and supporting their success.
A comprehensive eye examination complements the work of vision screenings by providing a detailed evaluation of the entire visual system. It can determine whether a child needs glasses, assess eye health, and evaluate important visual skills such as focusing, eye teaming, eye tracking, and depth perception – all of which contribute to comfortable reading, learning, sports, and everyday activities.
Even when a child passes a vision screening, parents and teachers should trust what they see. If a child struggles with reading, frequently complains of headaches or tired eyes, has difficulty paying attention to visual tasks, or isn’t performing up to their potential, a comprehensive eye examination can help determine whether an undetected vision problem is contributing.
The American Optometric Association recommends annual comprehensive eye examinations for school-age children. Combined with regular vision screenings, these exams help ensure children are not only seeing clearly, but also seeing comfortably and efficiently throughout their school years.
Vision screenings and comprehensive eye examinations are partners in protecting children’s vision. Together, they help give every child the opportunity to see, learn, and thrive.