There are over 5 million elementary-aged children with vision problems. Children with vision problems run the risk of serious academic, health, and social problems when left undetected or untreated.
Steps parents can take if they suspect their child has vision problems.
- Children should have their vision/eyes screened by their pediatrician at every well-child visit
- Pay attention to your child’s eyes: holding things too close, complaints about vision, or eyes that look different than normal should prompt a visit to the eye doctor
- Early signs of glaucoma in the first few years of life include bigger eyes, cloudy eyes, sensitivity to light, and tearing
The Libertore Fund for Children has partnered with the Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center serving the Southwest Florida area. For children, the Lighthouse Center focuses on children ages 6 to 13 years old who are visually impaired. Lighthouse offers a multitude of services at no cost, including daily living skills, assistive technology, mobility training, and social skills, that parents can depend on to ensure that developmental milestones are met to help them succeed in life, foster independence, and decision making.
- Build on social and technical skills learned in school
- Develop communication skills in children who are diagnosed with vision loss
- Prepare students with independent living and social skills to be more successful in all aspects of their lives
