Eighty percent of all learning during a child’s first 12 years is obtained through vision. That’s powerful stuff, and therefore surprising to appreciate that only 14% of children in the United States have received a comprehensive eye examination by age six. But what about school screenings? Do they count as comprehensive eye and vision exams? There is often misunderstanding about what passing a vision screening means. The information obtained from a vision screening can be compared to the information obtained from a blood pressure measurement. Because your blood pressure may be in normal range, it cannot indicate that you do not have other health problems. It provides a single measure of one aspect of your overall health. Just like a complete physical is needed to evaluate total health, only a comprehensive eye and vision examination can evaluate your child’s overall eye health and vision status. Vision screenings are not a substitute for professional eye care. The American Optometric Association recommends that children be seen at 6-12 months of age. This early-life eye exam will allow our optometrists to detect eye abnormalities early, helping to reduce its impact on your child’s ability to learn. If your child has never had an eye exam before, make scheduling one among your back to school priorities!  Please call our office today at (303) 450-2020, or click the button below to schedule your child’s annual eye and vision check-up!