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The familiar Snellen eye chart test can tell how clearly a child sees objects at 20 feet. However, basic vision skills for learning involve much more, and a 20/20 result from a simple vision screening may provide a false sense of security.

According to the American Optometic Association (AOA), critical vision skills for learning include:

• Near vision: The ability to see clearly and comfortably at 10-13 inches.
• Distance vision: The ability to see clearly and comfortably beyond arm's reach.
• Binocular coordination: The ability to use both eyes together.
• Eye movement skills: The ability to aim the eyes accurately, move them smoothly across a page and shift them quickly and accurately from one object to another.
• Focusing skills: The ability to keep both eyes accurately focused at the proper distance to see clearly and to change focus quickly.
• Peripheral awareness: The ability to be aware of things located to the side while looking straight ahead.
• Eye/hand coordination: The ability to use the eyes and hands together.

In addition, visual perceptual skills include seeing key similarities, differences, and variations in objects, letters, or words.

According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, “Children are often unaware that they are seeing ‘less’ than they should, and they often do not complain of visual difficulties. Untreated vision problems can lead to:

• Permanent loss of vision
• Learning difficulties
• Delayed sensory and social-emotional development.”

Children with poor vision skills may be mislabeled as hyperactive, inattentive, unmotivated, careless, or even learning disabled. Vision therapy can remediate a poorly integrated vision system, and alleviate the cycle of frustration many children face. Early childhood programs can help. Use thorough checklists for vision. Find out if area pediatricians know and use the Project Universal Preschool Vision Screening. Learn more about children and vision at:

• AOA: http://www.aoa.org/x1911.xml
• Optometric Extension Program: http://www.oep.org/
• Parents Active for Vision Education (PAVE): http://www.pavevision.org/
• Project Universal Preschool Vision Screening: http://www.medicalhomeinfo.org/screening/vision.html
• College of Optometrists in Vision Development: http://www.covd.org

Contributed by Kirsten Haugen

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