Children Eye Exams
Peoria and Bloomington, Illinois
Vision Exams for School-Aged Children Now Required by Law
As of January 1, 2008, all children starting kindergarten in Illinois must have a comprehensive eye exam. This requirement extends to all students who are entering a public school in Illinois for the first time. Proof of the eye exam must be submitted by October 15 of each school year. Additional vision examinations at later grade levels may be required if deemed necessary by school authorities.
The National Parent Teacher Association estimates that 10 million children nationwide suffer from vision disorders. Other estimates suggest that about 86 percent of children entering first grade still have not received an eye exam.
Comprehensive eye exams for children are critical for the early intervention necessary to treat diseases and disorders such as amblyopia ("lazy eye"), strabismus, retinoblastoma and other serious and potentially blinding problems that can lead to poor school performance and ultimately affect quality of life. Vision disorders are considered the fourth most common disability in the United States, though many vision problems in children are preventable or treatable if caught early on.
Eye examinations are a cost-effective investment in Illinois's children. Approximately 70 percent of children are insured for comprehensive eye exams through private insurance, Medicaid, S-CHIP or other state or federal programs. Many optometrists, ophthalmologists and local charitable organizations provide ongoing assistance for families in need.
Illinois is only the third state in the nation (following Kentucky and Missouri) to require eye exams for children entering public schools. Since the Kentucky's law was enacted seven years ago, 13 percent of Kentucky children have been identified as needing corrective lenses, 3.4 percent diagnosed with amblyopia, and 2.3 percent diagnosed with strabismus. Because clear vision is essential for learning, this new law will help ensure that many Illinois children succeed and reach their full potential.
Gailey Eye Clinic encourages parents to bring their children in at any time within the next year for a comprehensive eye exam to ensure they meet the necessary requirements in time for the beginning of the next school year.
If you live in Central Illinois and have a child that is getting ready to start school, please click here to arrange an appointment.