Pre-K Eye Exam Day set for Aug.14
Good Sight for Kindergarten at Eyes On Main
The Minnesota Optometric Association (MOA) has named a day in August as Pre-K Eye Exam Day, a statewide effort that is part of its Good Sight for Kindergarten campaign. Participating MOA members will offer one-time, no-cost eye exams on Aug. 14 to 5-year-olds entering kindergarten.
Dr. Freese of Eyes On Main in Sauk Centre will participate in the Pre-K Exam Day. Free exams for the new kindergarteners will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. Appointment slots are limited on Aug. 14, so call (320) 352-2020 soon if you are interested.
“The goal of Pre-K Exam Day is to let families know that good vision is essential to learning, and that every child needs to have a comprehensive eye exam before entering school,” said Dr Freese. “At least 25 percent of all school-age children have vision problems that impair their performance in school, and it can be as high as 60 percent because vision problems can be confused with other disorders, and students may unnecessarily receive special education.”
Why are eye exams important for children entering school?
A vision screening is not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam, because vision screenings generally test for distance and near acuity (clearness) only. Screenings generally do not test for such things as binocular vision, eye coordination and focusing abilities. A child who receives a 20/20 vision test result does not necessarily mean he or she can see to read. In fact, a recent MOA sponsored Minnesota bill was signed into law requiring schools to notify parents that vision screenings are not a substitute for eye exams. Eyes On Main’s goal is to help educate families about children’s eye health.
