August is National Children's Vision and Learning Month By Dr. S. Moshe Roth Will this next school year be different? Will the new teacher connect with your child like no one else has ever done? Some teachers have a special talent at reaching children,but when there is an underlying vision problem, the child often continues to struggle. Several states now have laws that require an eye examination before a child enters kindergarten.The purpose of these laws is to identify vision problems early so they will not be a hidden deterrent to academic performance. In Ohio,an eye exam is required within 90 days of a child having an IEP (Individualized Education Plan).What about all the children in New Jersey? Most school nurses and pediatricians may do a basic vision screening,but these tests only identify if someone has a problem seeing far away, such as the blackboard. Being able to see clearly far away,however,does not guarantee that a child can see things up close,where we read and do most of our learning.Tests that measure distance vision are not designed to identify the type of vision problems that interfere with learning. When we read,we not only have to see the letters clearly,but we also have to move our eyes easily from left to right (tracking) and be able to sustain that for long periods of time. If a child has problems with these skills, this may interfere with learning. The Learning Disabilities Association of America says it's important to ask:"Does the individual display signs of poor vision or hearing?"If someone is not familiar with all of the signs of a vision problem, it is very easy to assume vision is fine. One out of every four children struggle with reading and learning that is due to an undiagnosed vision problem.The American Optometric Association estimates that "60 percent of kids with learning disabilities have undiagnosed vision problems." As you prepare your child for school, have him read a book and copy a sentence. Watch for these symptoms: • Omit or substitute small words (like"of" for "for", or "if" for "of," etc.)? • Get frustrated trying to read? •Take much longer to read than expected? • Have trouble making out words? • Slow when copying or make lots of errors? • Find it harder to read at the end of the day than in the morning? • Skip words or repeat lines when reading out loud to you? • Reverse letters like b's into d's when reading? • Have a short attention span? Even one of these symptoms could signal a possible vision problem. Regular eye exams typically evaluate only eye health, acuity (how clearly you can see the eye chart) and the need for glasses (or contacts).A developmental vision evaluation is needed to test eye movement control, focusing near to far, sustaining clear focus, eye teaming ability, depth perception, visual motor integration, visual memory and visual perceptual skills. Fortunately, most vision problems that affect learning can be helped. For more information, visit www.NJEyeSite.com. Dr. S. Moshe Roth, optometric physician, practices at Family Eye Care, Old Bridge.Dr. Roth's license number is 4635 and his OM Number is 27OM0005600.For more information, call 732-679-2020.