The economic and social implications of illiteracy are significant. Illiteracy can place a severe burden on the economy. Non-reading individuals are more likely to report physical, mental, or health disabilities resulting in poor performance in work and daily activities. It is a disability that hinders a person's quality of life. A visual impairment can significantly handicap a child's development and education.
Some visual skills reach full development at about age five.
Others may not be fully developed until age ten or eleven. The eye doctor must evaluate a child's visual skills within the context of their age-related developmental standards. Visual defects discovered before age five can be treated with a relatively high degree of success. Parents should mention milestones in the child's developmental history. Growth and developmental stages play a large role in the child's vision.