Many children start school with undiagnosed vision issues, often mistaken for learning or behavioral disorders. Despite sporting new gear and having physical check-ups, a critical need often overlooked is a thorough eye exam. States like Kentucky, Missouri, and Illinois have enacted laws requiring compulsory eye exams before school entry. Vision involves more than 20/20 sight; it includes coordinated eye muscles and maintaining close-range focus. Over 57% of school-age kids have undiagnosed vision problems due to lack of thorough assessment. Screenings often miss many issues, raising concerns about their efficacy.

Research shows a link between weaker senses, such as bad eyesight and hearing, and a drop in thinking skills. More Americans are having trouble with their sight and hearing, especially older people. At the same time, more people are getting dementia. Studies suggest that not fixing these problems might speed up the loss of thinking skills. Making eyesight and hearing better could help improve these skills. Tech companies plan to make low-cost hearing aids. These could help keep the brain working well in older people. Experts advise regular eye and hearing tests. This could find problems early and may lower the chance of getting dementia.

Reading difficulties often surface after third grade due to factors like vision deficits. Changes in text font and spacing can pose challenges. Traditional eye exams may miss other visual aspects impacting reading. Signs like frequent blinking, fatigue, headaches, or poor handwriting could suggest a vision issue. The COVD-QOL checklist evaluates non-acuity vision development issues. Misdiagnosis with ADHD may occur if these symptoms are present. Schools should consider a developmental vision assessment for students having focus and reading issues. In California, vision services are included in special education if it impacts learning. Parents should request an assessment if they suspect their child’s learning is affected by potential vision problems.