In 2003, Kentucky made history by becoming the first state to require eye exams for children ages 3 to 6 before they start school. This law was designed to improve both learning and eye health in young students. According to Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD, a pediatric eye doctor based in Versailles, Kentucky, the state’s pioneering approach has made a significant difference.
“This is one reason why people consider Kentucky one of the best places to be an optometrist,” says Dr. Graebe. “How valuable is it that children get their eyes checked? It’s priceless.”
A Vision for Better Learning
Vision is a key player in a child’s education. “About 85% of learning at school comes through the visual system,” explains Dr. Graebe. “Sending a child to school with vision problems is like sending him to school without books.”
Children may not always realize they have a vision issue. When they see double or have blurred vision, they might assume that’s how everyone sees the world. This is why the mandatory exams are so crucial—they catch issues early, before they can seriously impact a child’s ability to learn and thrive in school.
The Health Benefits of Early Eye Exams
Beyond improving academic success, early eye exams help to detect serious eye conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye), cataracts, and glaucoma. Left untreated, these conditions can lead to severe complications, including permanent vision loss.
Glaucoma, in particular, is often referred to as the “sneak thief of sight” because it presents no symptoms until it’s too late. Once detected, however, it can be easily managed with medication. Regular eye exams can make a significant difference in catching glaucoma before any irreversible damage occurs.
The same holds true for amblyopia, which affects an estimated 75,000 preschoolers each year in the U.S. “Up to five times that many are not caught,” Dr. Graebe notes. Amblyopia is another condition that’s treatable if diagnosed early, and it’s often addressed through Vision Therapy, a specialty at Dr. Graebe’s practice.
Vision Therapy: A Life-Changing Solution
Vision Therapy acts as a form of physical therapy for the eyes and brain, helping to correct conditions like amblyopia. Dr. Graebe specializes in this treatment, offering personalized therapy plans to help children improve their visual function.
One young patient from Danville came in for a routine exam and was diagnosed with amblyopia. Thanks to early detection and a tailored Vision Therapy program, the child’s vision improved dramatically. “This is why these exams are so important,” says Dr. Graebe. “And our eye exams are as complete as any and more complete than most.”
Eye Health Equals School Success
When children go to school with undetected vision issues, it’s almost like they’re being set up to fail. But with mandatory eye exams in place, Kentucky is giving its young students the tools they need to succeed. By detecting and treating vision problems early, children can focus better in school, improve their reading and comprehension skills, and participate fully in class.
Sending your child to school without checking their vision is like giving them a handicap that can easily be avoided. Dr. Graebe’s comprehensive exams go beyond standard vision screenings, testing everything from clarity to how well the eyes work together.
Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today
If your child hasn’t had a recent eye exam, now is the time to make an appointment. With locations in Versailles, serving the greater Lexington area, and Somerset, Neuro-Visual Performance Institute is one of the few pediatric specialty practices serving Central and Southern Kentucky. Early detection of vision problems can help ensure your child’s success both in school and life.
Call us today at 859-879-0089 to schedule your child’s comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD.
Credit:
This blog is based on information from Dr. Rick Graebe as compiled and written by John Lynch.