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Now You See Me, Now You Don't?
Vision Screening for Preschoolers
By Carma Haley
"Getting the vision screening was worth the price of preschool. I will always feel indebted to them for that."
After a Diagnosis is Made
Once a vision problem has been diagnosed, the next step may be glasses. As small children fear being teased or made fun of, it is important for a parent to ease their child's mind and let them find glasses that they feel comfortable with. "Children know what they like," says Saimovici. "Parents should allow a child to pick their own glasses since they will be the one who is wearing them. Also, parents can help their child feel comfortable with their new glasses if they let the child know how good they look, how special the glasses are and how well they will be able to see with them."
Young children may not understand why they can't see well and may be frightened to tell anyone due to fear of what what's to come. Using subtle methods, explaining the process as it unfolds and allowing the child to ask questions can help in relieving that fear while they make their way to seeing all the world has to offer. "Vision problems are common in both children and adults," says Saimovici. "Letting a child know how special they are, regardless of how they see, will take the focus off of the problem and place it back on the child."