Vision is an important process used in learning. Eighty percent of what we learn before age 12, we learn through our visual system. Good visual skills are necessary for the tasks such as:

• * Near vision
• * Far vision
• * The ability to use both eyes together
• * Smooth and accurate eye movements
• * Ability to focus
• * Peripheral vision
• * Eye-hand coordination

School-aged children with vision problems often show symptoms that may not be recognized as vision problems. See Vision Problems for a list of symptoms associated with vision problems.

Children with vision problems may be reluctant to do school work or having difficulty completing schoolwork on time. Because of this, they may be misdiagnosed as being:

• * Lazy
• * A Slow Learner
• * Having A Learning Disability
• * Having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

A complete vision exam should be considered for children having difficulty learning to read and write. This exam can determine if a vision problem is present. A directory of optometrists who are skilled in performing such exams can be found at www.covd.org.

Note: Correcting a vision problem will not teach children to read. The goal is to correct problems that are interfering with vision so that an educator can teach a child to read.

For more information about vision and learning, check out:

Parent and teacher resource site at www.visionandlearning.org
Vision and learning at http://members.aol.com/twoeyedox/index.htm
Learning-related vision problems at www.childrensvision.com
Vision, learning and dyslexia at www.aoanet.org
Vision and learning at www.covd.org
Vision and learning at www.children-special-needs.org