Vision Problems Impact Academic Performance!
30% of grade-school students with vision problems had worse scores on standardized testing compared with students who did not have a vision problem, according to a 2017 study published in the International Journal of Educational Research.
Here are the Top Signs that a Vision Condition could be Impacting your Child’s Academic Performance:
- Becomes tired with reading or near tasks
- Frequent loss of place while reading
- Avoidance of reading or near work
- Poor posture with near work (leans toward one side or holds head with hand)
- Difficulty copying from the board
- Letter reversals
- Poor handwriting, writes uphill or downhill
- Reading comprehension declines over time
- Holds reading material very close
- Reduced concentration
- Light sensitivity
- Closing or covering one eye
When a child struggles with reading and learning it is important to first rule out the possibility of a vision problem. If a vision problem exists, treatment may involve glasses, Optometric Vision Therapy, or both. Once the vision problem is treated successfully, tutoring and other special services that aim to remediate learning difficulties may be pursued.
White S, Wood J, Black A, Hopkins S. Vision screening outcomes of Grade 3 children in Australia: Differences in academic achievement. International Journal of Educational Research 2017, 83: 154-159