Eye Care Eye Care Basics

Treating Vision Problems in Children

Summary & Participants

Vision problems often go undiagnosed in children. Programs like the Gift of Sight are trying to change that.

Medically Reviewed On: August 06, 2008

Webcast Transcript

ANNOUNCER: Recent studies show that one out of every four school-age children has a vision impairment

Leona Dockery, Senior Mission Manager, The Gift of Sight: One out of four is very high. It’s alarmingly high.

Veronica Barrera, Children Got Glasses: We decided to come out and check the girls’ visions, and three out of the four needed glasses today

ANNOUNCER: The American Optometric Association recommends a child’s first eye exam when they’re 6 months old, but, it can be difficult to get many kids the vision treatment they need.

Leona Dockery, Senior Mission Manager, The Gift of Sight: It comes down to a lack of education. We need to get the word out, what proper eye health care, proper screenings are, and identify the need early on and address it. And a lot of time when the resources aren’t available, this can’t be done.

ANNOUNCER: But there is help out there from eye wear donation programs like “give the gift of sight”

Leona Dockery, Senior Mission Manager, The Gift of Sight: Taking a group of professionals, bringing them in and doing vision screenings, and then identify the need through all of that. But not only identify and walk away, but address it. And through that, it’s giving the gift of sight. So not only the gift of sight, maybe the gift of hope of a better future.

ANNOUNCER: And helping kids see better can make a huge difference in their lives

Leona Dockery, Senior Mission Manager, The Gift of Sight: There’s nothing like putting a pair of glasses on somebody. When they can see, it’s suddenly like a twinkle behind their eye. We don’t just put a pair of eyewear on an individual, we change their life. It’s giving them hope, it’s independence and it’s a beautiful thing.

Caitlin, Got Glasses: Far away I couldn’t read words, but like now I can. It’s much clearer, and I like it a lot.

ANNOUNCER: So be sure to donate your used glasses – they could help a child see a better future.

Caitlin,Got Glasses: I really want to go into the city and see what my mom says the lights look like now.

ANNOUNCER: Thanks for joining us on today’s Once Daily!