Statistically speaking
Vision problems affect one in 20 preschool-aged children. However, 86 percent of children never receive an eye exam before entering school. Because 80 percent of learning happens visually, a child who struggles to see will often struggle to learn. A 2016 American Academy of Ophthalmology study concluded uncorrected hyperopia (farsightedness) in four- and five-year-old children is associated with significantly poor performance on tests for early literacy. Although healthy vision is critically linked to children’s academic success, the State of Wisconsin does not require any vision screenings or eye examinations for children entering school.
Improving the odds
In 2018, the Women and Girls Fund awarded a $10,000 grant to Prevent Blindness Wisconsin to ensure 1,800 preschool-aged children in Waukesha County have access to free comprehensive vision screenings, referrals to care, and follow-up needed to ensure they have healthy vision to support success in the classroom.
Prevent Blindness Wisconsin provides certification training, and resources and information to volunteer screening groups, ensuring proper protocol and engagement. In addition, they offer follow-up and education to referred children, parents and teachers to encourage appropriate care when a problem has been discovered. The Preschool Children’s Vision Screening program serves children who are three to five years old in Waukesha County preschools, childcare centers and schools. Catching vision problems early is critical to helping young eyes have a better chance at optimizing their learning opportunities.
In 2018, thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Women and Girls Fund awarded grants totaling more than $90,000 to area agencies delivering innovative programs that achieve results and empower Waukesha County women and girls. Positive change is happening.
