As parents, we want our children to succeed in all aspects of life—academically, socially, and in their overall well-being. One often overlooked aspect of their success is healthy vision. Undetected vision problems can lead to learning difficulties, behavioral issues, and developmental delays. Fortunately, for families in Oklahoma, Vizavance is here to help, offering free vision screenings for children.
What is Vizavance?
Vizavance, formerly known as Prevent Blindness Oklahoma, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that children across Oklahoma have access to free vision screenings. With more than 60 years of service, they have played a critical role in identifying vision issues in children early on, allowing families to take the necessary steps to address these problems.
Why Are Vision Screenings Important for Kids?
Vision problems in children are more common than many people realize. It’s estimated that 1 in 4 school-aged children have some vision issue. However, many of these problems go unnoticed because kids often don’t realize their vision is impaired—they simply think that’s how everyone sees.
Early detection is key. Children with vision problems may struggle to read, focus on the board, or participate in class, hindering their academic progress. This can also affect their confidence and social interactions. Vision screenings help to identify issues like:
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Farsightedness (hyperopia)
- Astigmatism
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Eye alignment issues
By catching these problems early, parents can seek professional care, whether that’s glasses, eye exercises, or more in-depth treatments from an eye doctor.
At What Ages Should Kids Get Screened?
Vizavance recommends vision screenings starting at a very young age, as early as six months. Here’s a general guideline for when children should receive their screenings:
- Infants (6 months to 1 year): Early detection can help catch serious eye conditions.
- Preschool (3 to 5 years): Screenings at this age are essential for detecting amblyopia (lazy eye) and other issues that might affect learning.
- School-age (6 years and older): Vision can change as children grow, so annual screenings are recommended to catch any new issues before they impact school performance.
The earlier a vision issue is detected, the better the chances are for effective treatment. For many children, simply wearing glasses can make a world of difference in their education and overall quality of life.
It’s Free—Don’t Wait!
What makes Vizavance even more incredible is that these vision screenings are provided completely free of charge. No child should be left behind because of financial barriers, and Vizavance is committed to ensuring every child has the chance to see clearly and thrive in school.
Whether your child is entering kindergarten or already in grade school, it’s never too late to get their vision checked. With schools starting back up and schedules filling up fast, now is the perfect time to take advantage of this free service.
Take Action Today
Do you want to make sure your child is set up for success? Call Vizavance today at 405-848-7123 to schedule a free vision screening. These screenings are quick, non-invasive, and could be the key to unlocking your child’s full potential.
Don’t let undetected vision problems hold your child back. Call Vizavance and give them the clear vision they deserve!
