by Amy Gendreau, RDPFS Intern:
In an effort to raise awareness of the importance of taking care of children’s eyes, as well as eye conditions and diseases they are especially susceptible to, August is commemorated as Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. “According to statistics, one out of 20 children between the ages of three and five has a serious eye problem, and if not treated on time, could result in permanent vision impairment. Most preschoolers do not receive routine eye screening, which is crucial to identify if children suffer from eye disease.” Eye safety and health are essential to learning and child development. Vision screenings can detect possible eye problems and confirmed through a comprehensive exam from an eye doctor.
Some suggestions to promote the observance of Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month include:
- Check that your child’s eye health is in order by scheduling an examination with an eye doctor.
- Raise awareness on social media. The #ChildrensEyeAndSafetyMonth hashtag can be used to promote information about the importance of eye health. Prepare a post and share it on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter (X).
- Attend a presentation on vision and eye health, in your community or online. Many organizations provide presentations to raise awareness about this topic. An example is the National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health at Prevent Blindness, which has presentations, webinars, and technical assistance on the connection of vision to learning. Attend these presentations and gain knowledge about children’s eye health.
For more information about the commemoration, read the National Today piece on Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month – 2024. Additional details about vision screening and eye health are featured on webpages from the American Academy of Ophthalmology on Eye Screening for Children and the American Optometric Association on Children’s Vision.
