School progress reports have come out this week for some PEI children.  Classroom learning is 80% visual, which points clearly to the idea that if a student isn’t seeing well, they’re not performing up to their potential.

The first step in ensuring your child has all the vision skills they need is to see an optometrist for a thorough (and painless) eye health examination.If your child does need glasses for schoolwork, television viewing or computer use, bring their prescription to Matheson Eyewear. Our licensed opticians can help you find a fashionable and comfortable pair of glasses.

Symptoms

Children rarely complain of vision problems, or are even aware of them. Indeed, they may appear to see perfectly well, often pointing things out to you before you see them, but don’t get lulled into thinking everything is okay. In addition to a regular eye health check-up, look for everyday signs that your child may need help:

• performs below their school potential
• avoids close work or dislikes reading
• loses his or her place while reading
• omits or confuses small words when reading
• uses finger to maintain place while reading
• makes frequent reversals when reading or writing
• holds reading material closer than usual
• turns or tilts head to use only one eye
• has red, itchy or watery eyes
• has frequent headaches