"Kids" are Focus of National Vision Campaign

The child at the back of the class squints to see the blackboard, struggling to follow the teacher's lesson. Frustrated and distracted, he acts up with his neighbor and is disciplined by the teacher. Repeated such actions result in the label "troublemaker." On the playground, he is chosen last for sports and develops a negative attitude. Although his parents caution him about safety, he often runs across the street when oncoming traffic presents a danger. He sometimes seems clumsy and trips over objects. He sits too close to the television and computer.

Undetected vision problems can hinder a child's success. A child does not understand that their view of the world is not necessarily the way others see. A complete eye exam from an eyecare doctor is the only sure way to know if a child is seeing clearly.

One in four school-age children has a vision problem, yet fewer than one in seven children receive a comprehensive eye exam before entering school. (Prevent Blindness America)

VSP's national Get Focused campaign is an effort to increase awareness of the importance of regular eyecare. Through sport and educational events, sponsorships and community partnerships, VSP has found innovative ways to increase public understanding of the importance of good vision. Through VSP's Sight for Students^® charity program, VSP provides resources for children whose families would not otherwise be able to afford eyecare. www.sightforstudents.org

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), children should receive their first eye exam by the age of one, with complete exams at age three, five, and every two years during school.

Adults also need regular eye exams as well as eye protection when playing sports, or when involved in home or work activities that pose a threat to the eye. Computer eyestrain is a growing problem for all ages. After the age of 40, most people start losing visual acuity for near focus and require reading glasses.

To make sure you and your family see all of life's greatest moments, take care of your eyes. Get Focused with regular eye exams.