Eye Problems Can Lead To Learning Difficulties

Poor vision can affect a child’s self-esteem, reading proficiency, athletic performance and artistic creativity.

According to the Better Vision Institute, one in four children has an undetected eye problem that may lead to difficulties in learning. The child is often mislabeled a slow learner when, in fact, the problem could be diagnosed and treated.

The BVI urges parents to add a professional eye examination to their back-to-school checklist.

Schools usually screen a child’s vision using the common Snellen, or “Big E” eye chart; however, this test detects only 20 to 30 percent of vision disorders in children.

“To ensure that children are able to see properly, parents must become aware of the early signs of vision disorders and take their child to see an eye-care professional,” says Dr. Richard L. Hopping, BVI spokesman.

Here are some warning signs that your child may be having trouble seeing:

Squinting, closing, covering one eye or excessive blinking.

Dislike or avoidance of close schoolwork.

A short attention span or frequent daydreaming.

Placing the head close to a book when reading or losing place while reading.

Turning or tilting the head to one side.

The Better Vision Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to education about improved eye care.

It offers a free parent’s brochure and a teacher’s guide called “The ABC’s of Eyecare,” to help adults identify vision disorders and to reinforce the importance of regular eye exams for students.

To order a free “ABC’s of Eyecare” pamphlet, call (800) 424-8422 and specify whether you are requesting the parent’s brochure or teacher’s guide.

Autumn art

Schedules are available for fall classes at the Corbin Art Center, sponsored by the Spokane Parks & Recreation Department. Classes begin Oct. 9.

For children ages 6-8, choose a cross-stitch or needlework class. A quilting workshop is available for children ages 9-12. For teens and adults, two new colored pencil workshops are being offered.

Call (509) 625-6677.

Explore your future

Do you want to climb a mountain, fly a plane or study biology?

Exploring is a program of the Boy Scouts of America offered to men and women 14 to 21 years old interested in learning about a career, field of study or hobby.

Fred Houck, Inland Northwest Explorer executive, will match the interests of a young adult with the expertise of a business, school, church, sports club or other appropriate community organization.

These “Explorer Posts” work with the explorer to provide learning and leadership opportunities, as well as improve character, citizenship and fitness.

A sampling of the posts offered this fall are in auto mechanics, aviation, zoology, television production and emergency response.

For more information on the Exploring program, contact Fred Houck at (509) 325-4562.

Marriage enrichment

Dozens of married couples will learn how to add more romance, excitement and depth to their relationships during a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend in Spokane, Oct. 6-8.

The weekend is sponsored by the Catholic church and is open to couples of all faiths. Accommodations are provided, as well as an opportunity for growth, improved communications skills and personal renewal. For more information, call Jon and Tracy Jordan at (509) 484-5683 or (800) 795-LOVE.

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