Vision can be a very important part of the learning process. Scheduling an annual eye exam to determine the overall visual efficiency and health of a child’s eyes ahead of the new school year will aid in the foundation for success from day one.
There are two different phases to an eye examination. First, a technician will begin the exam by getting a case history and determining if there are any specific concerns or problems the child might be having with their eyes. They test color vision, depth perception, near and far vision using either pictures or letters, and attempt to get the child’s eye pressure by using a screening device.
Doctors like Cherie Oshiro-Johnson, OD, then meet with the child and guardians to discuss any of the concerns mentioned in the case history. They every effort to reassure them if they feel anxious about the next set of exams. Dr. Oshiro-Johnson is one of five optometrists that perform back-to-school and routine eye exams at Carle at The Fields.
During the physician exam, the doctor will assess the child’s eye teaming skills to determine if the child has any problems using the eyes together. Next, they evaluate the child’s prescription and determine if glasses are needed or if the child’s current glasses need to be updated.
The final part of the exam involves evaluating the front and back parts of the eye. Dilation drops are often needed to help examine the retina more thoroughly and to control the child’s focusing to help determine a final glasses prescription.
“Some of the most common problems we see in a young child’s eye exam is a decrease in vision or a prescription that the child has to overcompensate for,” Dr. Oshiro-Johnson said. “Both often require glasses. Young children do not know what is considered “normal” vision, so often do not complain or mention anything to their parents [when they experience issues with vision]. The child can function fine, so the parents do not always know something is wrong as well.”
Another vision issue often found in the child’s exam involves the binocular vision. The child might be crossing one or both eyes, one eye may drift outwards, or there could be a deficiency in focusing or eye teaming skills.
“All can lead to eye strain and make it difficult to focus, cause problems with reading,” Dr. Oshiro-Johnson said. “Sometimes glasses can correct the problem, sometimes patching therapy or vision therapy is the treatment plan. Vision therapy includes exercises that help strengthen the eye muscles to help them work more efficiently together.”
“When children experience vision problems, it can impact their school performance,” said Kelly Schmit, Patient Care Manager, Carle Eye. “Poor vision can be frustrating, especially if it affects reading comprehension or playing with friends or in sports. Annual eye exams allow us to track the health of a child’s eyes and identify when they have or might be at risk for vision problems. It’s an opportunity to address their needs before the school year begins, and potentially even their safety.”
Annual eye exam appointments are available at Carle Outpatient Services at The Fields. Optometry at The Fields is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and does not need a referral to make an appointment. This location includes the Optical Shop where patients can buy glasses, prescription sunglasses and contacts. A virtual try-on tool is also available for trying different brands, styles, and colors of glasses using a web or phone camera.
Dr. Oshiro-Johnson recommends that younger patients return the following year after the required elementary school exams, even if their results during the previous exam did not require any treatment. This is a period of growth when children are using their eyes more, such as with learning to read, and more problems can present themselves.
“Seeing the patients the following year just helps to make sure their eyes are developing well,” Dr. Oshiro-Johnson said. “After that, I continue to see kids yearly, or even more often, if they wear glasses or if there is something that needs to be followed more closely. Otherwise, I may recommend [an eye appointment] every two years as well.”
For more information or to schedule your child’s annual eye exam, visit Carle.org or call the Eye Department at 217-902-3937.
There are two different phases to an eye examination. First, a technician will begin the exam by getting a case history and determining if there are any specific concerns or problems the child might be having with their eyes. They test color vision, depth perception, near and far vision using either pictures or letters, and attempt to get the child’s eye pressure by using a screening device.
Doctors like Cherie Oshiro-Johnson, OD, then meet with the child and guardians to discuss any of the concerns mentioned in the case history. They every effort to reassure them if they feel anxious about the next set of exams. Dr. Oshiro-Johnson is one of five optometrists that perform back-to-school and routine eye exams at Carle at The Fields.
During the physician exam, the doctor will assess the child’s eye teaming skills to determine if the child has any problems using the eyes together. Next, they evaluate the child’s prescription and determine if glasses are needed or if the child’s current glasses need to be updated.
The final part of the exam involves evaluating the front and back parts of the eye. Dilation drops are often needed to help examine the retina more thoroughly and to control the child’s focusing to help determine a final glasses prescription.
“Some of the most common problems we see in a young child’s eye exam is a decrease in vision or a prescription that the child has to overcompensate for,” Dr. Oshiro-Johnson said. “Both often require glasses. Young children do not know what is considered “normal” vision, so often do not complain or mention anything to their parents [when they experience issues with vision]. The child can function fine, so the parents do not always know something is wrong as well.”
Another vision issue often found in the child’s exam involves the binocular vision. The child might be crossing one or both eyes, one eye may drift outwards, or there could be a deficiency in focusing or eye teaming skills.
“All can lead to eye strain and make it difficult to focus, cause problems with reading,” Dr. Oshiro-Johnson said. “Sometimes glasses can correct the problem, sometimes patching therapy or vision therapy is the treatment plan. Vision therapy includes exercises that help strengthen the eye muscles to help them work more efficiently together.”
“When children experience vision problems, it can impact their school performance,” said Kelly Schmit, Patient Care Manager, Carle Eye. “Poor vision can be frustrating, especially if it affects reading comprehension or playing with friends or in sports. Annual eye exams allow us to track the health of a child’s eyes and identify when they have or might be at risk for vision problems. It’s an opportunity to address their needs before the school year begins, and potentially even their safety.”
Annual eye exam appointments are available at Carle Outpatient Services at The Fields. Optometry at The Fields is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and does not need a referral to make an appointment. This location includes the Optical Shop where patients can buy glasses, prescription sunglasses and contacts. A virtual try-on tool is also available for trying different brands, styles, and colors of glasses using a web or phone camera.
Dr. Oshiro-Johnson recommends that younger patients return the following year after the required elementary school exams, even if their results during the previous exam did not require any treatment. This is a period of growth when children are using their eyes more, such as with learning to read, and more problems can present themselves.
“Seeing the patients the following year just helps to make sure their eyes are developing well,” Dr. Oshiro-Johnson said. “After that, I continue to see kids yearly, or even more often, if they wear glasses or if there is something that needs to be followed more closely. Otherwise, I may recommend [an eye appointment] every two years as well.”
For more information or to schedule your child’s annual eye exam, visit Carle.org or call the Eye Department at 217-902-3937.
Categories: Staying Healthy
Tags: Academics, Carle, Exam, Eye, Ophthalmology, Optical, Optometry, Pediatrics