{"id":9505,"date":"2021-01-17T14:25:33","date_gmt":"2021-01-17T14:25:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=9505"},"modified":"2021-07-15T11:53:56","modified_gmt":"2021-07-15T11:53:56","slug":"do-vision-screenings-assess-functional-vision","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/childrens-vision\/vision-for-school\/are-school-vision-screenings-effective\/do-vision-screenings-assess-functional-vision\/","title":{"rendered":"Do Vision Screenings Assess Functional Vision?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Most vision screenings conducted at schools measure visual acuity, or how well you can see, but unfortunately, do not assess other important aspects of a child\u2019s vision<\/b>.<\/p>\n

Vision screenings<\/a> are usually very limited and do not assess the visual skills<\/a> necessary for success in reading, learning, and even athletics.<\/p>\n

Why are visual skills important?<\/b><\/h2>\n

There are 17 different visual skills, including eye tracking, focusing, convergence, depth perception, peripheral vision, and more.<\/p>\n

These visual skills allow us to accurately interpret what we see in order to make sense of it.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

For success in reading fluency and comprehension, the eyes need to work together to converge, focus, and track letters on a line. A problem with any of these visual skills can hinder a child\u2019s reading and overall academic performance.<\/p>\n

The visual skills are equally important for success on the sports field<\/a>. Reaction time, accurate eye movements, depth perception, peripheral vision, eye-hand coordination, and visualization are all visual skills necessary to be a successful sports player.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, since vision screenings don\u2019t test for any of these skills, many children with 20\/20 eyesight continue to struggle in school, leaving many teachers and parents wondering, why?<\/b><\/p>\n

Moreover, when reduced visual skills interfere with learning and athletic performance, a child\u2019s confidence and self-esteem can also be affected\u2014 leading to potential social and behavioral problems as well.<\/p>\n

Red flags that may signal a vision problem<\/b><\/h2>\n

Teachers and parents should be aware of the red flags that can indicate a vision problem.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

The most common signs include:<\/p>\n