BackQUESTION: Does the school screening or pediatrician's exam tell me if my child needs and Optometric examination?
ANSWER: It is very important to understand that the pediatrician's
examination and the school screening are BOTH SCREENINGS. A screening is a brief
test that MAY detect a LIMITED number of problems. They are better than nothing,
but definitely no substitute for a complete eye examination. Teachers have told
me that the school system is financially bound NOT to refer your child for a
vision examination, even if they suspect learning disabilities. It
they do refer you, they have to pay for it! If your child is entering school
for the first time or in school already and has not had an eye examination
by an eye doctor at least once, do it now! Some warning signs
that parents can look for are: headaches especially at the end of the
school day, squinting to see far or near, reading very
close, complaining that eyes tire reading, losing place frequently while
reading, reversing letter or words and very significantly simply not liking
to read. Interestingly enough, it is the ones who complain the least who often
have the problems. Why? If you have never seen any differently, why should you
expect something is wrong?