Why General Eye Exams Aren’t Enough

Published on

September 25, 2024

As a parent, you may feel confident that your child's vision is in good shape if they've passed a routine eye exam. But what if that exam only covered a small portion of what’s needed to assess their full visual abilities? According to the American Optometric Association, general vision screenings cover just 4% of what’s assessed in a full eye exam. And even in standard eye exams, many issues that impact learning are missed.

What’s Missing in General Eye Exams?

Most general eye exams are designed to test basic vision, such as distance and clarity. However, they don’t evaluate more complex aspects of vision, like eye teaming, tracking, and focusing. These are critical skills for reading, learning, and overall school performance. Only about 10% of eye doctors perform the more detailed tests necessary to identify these issues.

The Difference in a Developmental Vision Exam

A developmental vision exam, like the ones offered at Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, goes beyond the basics. These exams last 45 minutes to an hour and assess how well your child's eyes work together, their ability to track and focus, and other skills that are crucial for learning. These exams are often where hidden issues are discovered, revealing why your child may be struggling with reading or schoolwork.

How Vision Therapy Can Help

When hidden vision issues are detected, personalized vision therapy programs can be developed to help your child strengthen their visual skills. For example, we recently worked with a child from Danville who had been performing poorly in school despite having 20/20 vision. After a developmental vision exam, we discovered they had difficulty with eye teaming and tracking. Through vision therapy, their reading ability improved, and they gained confidence in the classroom.

Don’t Settle for a General Eye Exam

If your child has passed a general eye exam but is still struggling in school, a developmental vision exam may provide the answers. These exams look at the whole picture of how your child's eyes function, uncovering issues that could be holding them back.

Schedule a Vision Evaluation Today

At Neuro-Visual Performance Institute, Dr. Rick Graebe FCOVD provides comprehensive developmental vision exams and therapy programs to help children excel in school. With convenient locations in Versailles and Somerset, we serve families across Central and Southern Kentucky. To schedule an appointment, call us at 859-879-0089 or visit https://nvpinstitute.com/