Eye checks important before school starts

By Ashley Luthans

With school starting back up, eye checkups for kids are key, as vision issues can interfere with their ability to learn.

Children may have trouble focusing if they cannot see the board that their teacher is writing on or even the words in the textbook in front of them. This can cause students to fall behind.

Dr. Drew Garwood, a doctor of optometry at Murphy Watson Burr Eye Center in St. Joseph, said that many children may not even know that they have eye problems.

“Well so a lot of kids, I mean they’re just used to perceiving the world the way that they see it,” Garwood said. “So, they may not even know they do have a problem. So by the time they get to us, a lot of them do need some help, and it can really make their life a lot better at school and then just overall.”

Garwood explained that it is especially important for children going into kindergarten to get their eyes checked.

“Any age, honestly, is important,” Garwood said. “Especially if the parents notice something like an eye turn or they feel like they feel like they’re holding things close. But we really like to do it before they start kindergarten, especially because kindergarten, first and second grade are such big years when they’re learning their letters and learning how to read. So usually before kindergarten we really want it, but definitely before first and second grade as well.”

Garwood said St. Joseph has several resources for children who need their eyes checked.

“Well, something that is fortunate in our community is, Lion’s Club goes around and they offer free screenings at preschools and other things that really catch kids,” Garwood said. “And also, we’re thankful for all of the pediatricians out there that check for just vision issues, and then we get a lot of referrals so that really gets a good head start for the kids, making sure they can see well in school.”