Importance of Children’s Eye Health and Safety 

7,963 — That is how many pairs of glasses Remote Area Medical (RAM®) distributed to patients in 2023! To continue making a difference in vision care, RAM is discussing the importance of children’s vision care throughout August for Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month!  

1 in 4 children have a vision disorder that requires diagnosis and treatment [The American Optometric Association (AOA)]. With the rising costs of care, many children are going without proper vision care such as comprehensive annual eye exams and vision screenings. 

What is the difference between vision screenings and comprehensive eye examinations?

Vision screenings indicate vision problems, such as a need for corrective lenses. Eye exams consider the overall health of the eye, including depth perception, color vision, peripheral vision, the pupils’ response to light, eye movement abilities and more. Children may pass a vision screening and still have eye health or vision problems [AOA]. 

The rates of unmet vision needs are higher among children who are not covered by insurance and those living at 200% below the federal poverty line [National Institutes of Health (NIH)].  

Vision problems can impact a child’s ability to learn and may hinder future academic achievement. For the first 12 years of their life, children experience approximately 80% of their learning through their eyes [American Academy of Ophthalmology].

This serves as a reminder of the importance for children to receive vision care and protect their eye health.  

The American Optometric Association recommends thorough eye examinations for all children between 3 and 5 years old. Currently, 41 states require vision screening for school-aged children. However, only 26 states require vision screening for preschool-aged children. Children in states without vision screening mandates are less likely to have their vision tested [NIH]. 

Despite mandatory vision screening in some states, many children still experience a gap in vision care. This can present as not receiving comprehensive eye examinations, necessary follow-up care or corrective lenses, despite needing them.  

How can you help promote children’s eye health?

Talk to children about the importance of eye health and safety. This includes discussing preventative care such as: 

• Annual eye exams — Comprehensive eye examinations can catch early signs of developing vision problems. 
• Wearing corrective lenses — If prescribed corrective lenses, wearing glasses can help prevent vision from worsening. 
• Wearing ultraviolet (UV) ray blocking sunglasses — When outdoors, wear sunglasses that are proven to block 99-100% of UV rays. 
• Protective eyewear — Wearing protective eyewear when playing sports and during other physical activities can prevent direct eye damage. 
• Know your family eye health history — Knowing family history can help determine if you are at higher risk for developing eye problems. 
• Give your eyes a break — Follow the 20-20-20 Rule — every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. 
•  Limit screen time — Too much time looking at screens can put excess strain on the eye. This can cause headaches, dry eyes and myopia — also known as nearsightedness. 

These small actions can make a big difference in children’s overall eye health and safety. Preventative eye care reduces the risk of future vision loss, amblyopia (lazy eye) and other vision conditions.  

RAM works to bridge the gap in vision care by providing free vision screening and glasses at clinics, but preventative care and knowing about eye health and safety can reduce the need for these services. 

If you or a child in your life need a vision exam, screening, new glasses, etc. Please visit a RAM Clinic near you for free vision care.

RAM Beyond Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

RAM provides free dental, vision, and medical care to anyone in need, including children. We travel across the country to communities in need of our services. Click here for our schedule.

RAM does not receive federal funding. Most of our funding is from our donors, people like you, who want to make a difference and help us provide free care to children in need of healthcare. To donate or become a monthly donor, click here.

We are always looking for more volunteers. If you would like to get involved with RAM, whether you’re a healthcare provider or not, there’s a place for you! Click here to learn more about volunteering.

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