These programs enlist the cooperation of health officials, nurses, eye doctors, technicians, volunteers and service clubs, all of which work together in a coordinated effort. Preschool vision screening programs have proved valuable in the early detection of vision problems while screening programs in schools find older children with eye troubles. As important as these tests are, only a complete eye examination conducted by an eye specialist can determine the extent of difficulty and prescribe treatment. If a child fails a vision screening test, parents are notified and urged to take their child to an eye doctor. The cooperation of parents at this point is important so that the child receives an examination and is provided treatment prescribed by the doctor.
Parents know how quickly children grow.
Their eyes, like their other organs, also undergo change. Although they may have perfect vision one year, they may need glasses or other corrective measures the next. Therefore, periodic vision screening tests are essential to the eye health of children. Accidents rob many children of precious sight. Pointed sticks, bows and arrows, slingshots, air rifles, darts, fireworks, and poorly constructed toys with sharp edges are common causes of eye injuries.