The American Optometric Association recommends that a child have his/her first eye examination between the ages of 6 and 12 months of age. Healthy eyes and good vision play a critical role in how infants and children learn to see. As children progress in school, demand on their visual abilities increases. One very important learning tool may be overlooked-a child’s vision. Many studies indicate that undetected vision problems may often be the cause of children being misdiagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Dr. Andrew Alpar and Dr. Candace Lipshy, the optometrists at St. Luke Eye Institute in Amarillo, Texas, provide eye exams for infants, toddlers, and school age children. Does your child have an undiagnosed vision problem?)

What should you look for in a child with vision problems?
Children with vision problems may complain of headaches, rub their eyes often, or squint when reading or watching TV. They may struggle to complete homework. While reading, you may notice the child holding reading material very close to them, losing their place, or having to use a finger to maintain place. They may omit or confuse small words or reverse letters .They may tilt or turn their head. Performance seems below potential, and grades may become poor. They may have behavioral problems.