Dylan Sheppard

Did you know that below average performance in school has been linked in numerous studies to poor eye sight. Nearly 80% of our learning is obtained visually.

a. According to the American EYE-Q survey, 86 percent of children start school without ever having a vision exam.

b. MedicineNet.com predicts this equates to one in four kids in the United States struggling in class because of an undetected vision condition.

c. The Vision Council of America found simple vision screenings, typically done by a pediatrician or school nurse, only detect 5% of all vision problems.

Solutions for corrective vision can occur at any age. But what about more serious vision conditions like Amblyopia, commonly referred to as “lazy eye”. Amblyopia occurs when a child’s vision does not develop correctly in one eye and if left uncorrected, becomes permanent because the brain has to compensate. The good news is, Amblyopia is preventable, if caught early in a child’s development.

Eye Department eye care and eyewear and Dr. Annie Bacon have developed a proprietary Infant Wellness Program, EYE HEART BABY, to evaluate the health and vision of infants to reduce the risk of vision loss and facilitate proper vision development. EYE HEART BABY is a 30 – 40 minute exam to ensure their eyes are working together and developing properly. The exam rules out any abnormalities, looking for signs of amblyopia, “lazy eye”, crossed eyes “strabismus”, and signs of near/farsightedness. Between six months and the age of two, children undergo a vital period of visual development. If Dr. Annie finds abnormalities, eye care treatment can be initiated to seek a positive outcome.

EYE HEART BABY is typically a $199 service fee. The Eye Heart Baby; infant wellness program is available to children and grandchildren of patients at Eye Department. Eye Department believes it is important to provide critical vision saving information to our patients. For children and grandchildren of patients at Eye Department, Dr. Annie Bacon will cover the cost of the program for any children between 6 months and two years, until December, 2016. Appointments are required and space is limited. You can schedule an appointment now by calling 503-227-0573.