nsuring that your child has proper eyesight is essential for their academic and overall success. Recognizing this, Kentucky became the first state in the nation to require a mandatory eye exam for all students before entering public school in 2000.
“It’s absolutely a good thing,” says Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD, a behavioral optometrist based in Versailles, Kentucky. As a specialist in pediatric eye care, Dr. Graebe emphasizes the importance of this early intervention. An eye exam offers parents peace of mind and ensures that their child has the necessary visual tools to succeed in school.
The Limits of Standard Eye Exams
Many optometrists rely heavily on the standard eye chart, which tests only for distance vision. While this might seem sufficient, it overlooks an essential component—near-point vision.
Dr. Graebe points out, “Nearly 75% of optometrists rely on the eye chart on the wall, which tests only for distance and neglects to test for near-point vision.” This is especially troubling because approximately 70% of all schoolwork involves close-up tasks. Students may pass the standard eye test, yet still lack the necessary visual skills to excel in school.
Why Early Vision Development is Key
Children’s vision systems don’t fully mature until around the age of three. In the first year of life, other senses like taste and smell dominate. By the time a child reaches age three, their vision accounts for 70% of the input to the brain, making it the dominant sense for learning and interacting with the world.
“A test before age three usually isn’t critical,” says Dr. Graebe, “unless there are obvious problems like crossed eyes, failure to respond to light or faces, or excessive clumsiness.” As children grow, vision problems can become more apparent, especially when they start school.
Recognizing the Signs of Vision Problems in Children
If your child experiences difficulties in school or seems unusually clumsy, it might be due to unaddressed vision issues. “If at age 3, a child trips over himself because of poor depth perception, the eyes may not be working in sync,” explains Dr. Graebe. Common symptoms of vision problems are often discovered when a child starts school. This is why an eye exam is crucial at this stage.
Because eye exams are required by law before children begin school, Dr. Graebe recommends choosing a behavioral optometrist.
“The reason for seeing a behavioral optometrist is that most optometrists use only the eye chart because they don’t have the time,” he says. “We will take the time to do a full exam because it is the most important test we do for children.”
The Benefits of Comprehensive Pediatric Eye Exams
At the Neuro-Visual Performance Institute in Versailles, Kentucky, Dr. Graebe’s team goes beyond the standard exam. They offer comprehensive pediatric eye exams to assess all aspects of your child’s vision, ensuring that any underlying issues are identified and addressed. These exams are often covered by insurance, making them accessible for families.
“Parents are happy to find out that the same insurance that covers a visit to the pediatrician will cover our visit,” Dr. Graebe notes. With thorough vision testing and individualized care, the office works to provide children with the tools they need to succeed academically and socially.
Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today
If you have concerns about your child’s vision or if they are preparing to enter school, don’t wait. A simple one-hour exam could ensure your child has the visual skills they need for success in school and beyond. At Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, located in Versailles and Somerset, Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD and his team specialize in comprehensive pediatric vision care, serving the greater Lexington area and Central Kentucky.
Call us today at 859-879-0089 to schedule an appointment.
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This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.