The American Academy of Ophthalmology: Keep a Sight-Saving Vision Screening for Your Child on Your New Year's Resolutions List.

WASHINGTON -- While many New Year's resolutions have already come and gone, there's one that caregivers should not let go: resolve to have children's vision screened as soon as possible.

An estimated 2.3 million preschool-aged children have an eye or vision condition that could result in reduced vision or even blindness, and many common eye disorders do not have warning signs.

According to the National Eye Institute, an estimated 300,000 to 750,000 children aged 3 to 5 have amblyopia (lazy eye), and 450,000 to 600,000 have strabismus (eye misalignment). An estimated 1.5 million to 2.3 million have a significant refractive error (poor vision that can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses).

Experts at the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force said vision screenings effectively identify these eye disorders, and the Department of Health and Human Services said increasing the number of preschool children who get a vision screening is a key public health priority.

"Screenings are safe, affordable, effective and smart; they catch problems this year that weren't there last year," said Michael Repka, MD, Academy secretary for federal affairs. "If a problem is identified through a screening, the child is referred to an eye care provider (an ophthalmologist or optometrist) for a comprehensive eye exam and treatment. Recent clinical studies on children aged 3 to 13 with amblyopia show that almost every child will improve and achieve normal vision through treatment."

Children can get their eyes screened by family physicians, pediatricians, nurses or trained lay screeners. Those without access can contact their local health department for support.

"Healthy vision is critical to a child's educational success and ability to learn," said Christie Morse, MD, president of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. "Early detection is the key to successful outcomes, so we urge parents to make getting their children a vision screening their top resolution and the one that does not fall off the list."

The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus support serial children's vision screenings.

**Michael Repka, MD, and Christie Morse, MD, are available for interviews and to share insights from their pediatric ophthalmology practices.