Posted by: Katie Gorodetsky, Immunization Coordinator
Did you know that it is now Massachusetts law that all children have a vision screening before they start kindergarten? Here’s why:
• Untreated vision problems can affect a child’s ability to learn and could even lead to permanent vision loss.
• Children will not complain of poor vision. They do not know what ‘good’ vision is supposed to be.
• A quick and easy way to find out if something is wrong with your child’s vision is through vision screening.
Early vision screening can make a world of difference for your child – at home and at school! What you can do as a parent:
• Watch for early warning signs such as squinting, head tilting, eye rubbing, sensitivity to light, eyes crossing, or repeatedly holding a book or other object too close.
• Make an appointment with your child’s health care provider to screen your child’s vision before he/she starts kindergarten. The vision screening can be done as part of your child’s routine exam.
• If your child does not pass the vision screening, make an appointment with an eye specialist. Your doctor’s office can help you with this.
Remember – some vision problems may not have any warning signs! An early vision screening is the only way to detect a problem before it’s too late.
Make sure your child is screened before he or she starts kindergarten!
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