Vision Resources for Educators
Healthy eyesight is essential for success in school — especially since up to 80% of classroom learning is visual.
Yet, one in four children has an undetected eyesight problem, and in Ohio, less than 20% of school-aged children who fail vision screenings receive the follow-up care they need.
Teachers and schools play a critical role in identifying challenges early. When vision problems go unidentified or untreated, students may be misdiagnosed with learning disabilities or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), further placing stress on students and families. By learning about common childhood eye conditions, understanding the value of comprehensive eye exams and encouraging healthy vision habits in the classroom, educators can help set students up for lifelong success.
Explore our resources below to help support your students’ vision and long-term eye health.
What are some signs that a student may have a vision problem?
Signs that a student may have a vision problem include:
- Eye strain, tiredness or losing place when reading
- Difficulty remembering what he or she read
- Holding reading materials close to the face
- Squinting, closing, covering one eye, reading with tilted or turned head posture
- Disliking or avoiding close work
- Eyes turning in or out
- Itchy or burning eyes
- Headaches, nausea and dizziness
- Blurry or double vision
What’s the difference between a vision screening and a comprehensive eye exam?
According to the American Optometric Association, vision screenings are designed to identify children who may have eye or eyesight problems that impact their ability to see at distance or could potentially have an eye that is misaligned. If the screening indicates an issue (i.e. the child fails the screening), the child will be referred to a vision specialist for a comprehensive vision evaluation. Vision screenings are usually conducted by a school nurse, primary care physician or other healthcare professional. School screenings cannot result in a child receiving needed care unless the child receives this comprehensive examination.
Comprehensive eye exams are conducted by a Doctor of Optometry to diagnose if vision issues are present and provide needed treatment. To thoroughly evaluate a child’s eyes, specialized equipment and testing techniques are used that aren’t included in screening programs. A comprehensive eye exam includes tests to measure refraction, visual acuity, overall eye health, binocular fusion, eye movement accuracy, color vision, visual alignment and more.
Learn more about comprehensive eye exams:
How can I support my students’ vision and eye health?
Watch for warning signs of vision problems.
Encourage healthy screen habits in the classroom, like the 20:20:20 rule.
Consider classroom education with Realeyes.
Realeyes is a classroom education program created by the Ohio Optometric Association through a grant from the Ohio Department of Health Save Our Sight Fund. Realeyes includes six standardized, interactive, age-appropriate curricula that are presented by volunteer optometrists in the community. Topics covered include eye anatomy, eye safety and eye disorders.
Visit the Ohio Department of Health, Save Our Sight program website.
Learn more about amblyopia treatment and how to apply for free protective eyewear for youth sports, like baseball/softball helmets with masks or prescription sports goggles.