CHICAGO (July 11, 2005) - According to findings just released today from the National Eye Institute (NEI), both volunteers and nurses who have been trained in the field of vision screenings can effectively detect vision problems in preschool children. The results of the second phase of the "Vision In Preschoolers Study" underscores the importance of the work of non-profit groups, such as Prevent Blindness America (PBA), in helping to identify vision problems in children who may not already be heading to an eye care professional.

After determining which types of vision tests performed the best when used by licensed ophthalmologists and optometrists, the goal of the NEI study was to determine if these same tests worked as effectively when administered by nurses and trained volunteers, or lay people. Of the more than 1,400 children in the study, the nurses were able to correctly identify 68 percent and volunteers were able to identify 62 percent of all preschoolers who had one or more of the most prevalent vision disorders: amblyopia, strabismus, refractive error and poor vision. Both groups were able to correctly identify 80 percent of children with eye conditions considered to be severe.

"Treatments of eye diseases are most successful when detected early," said Daniel D. Garrett, senior vice president of PBA. "The results of this new study prove that vision screenings are an effective way to channel children with potential eye problems to professional eye care and can help save children from a lifetime of low vision." In 2004, PBA volunteers screened more than 2.5 million people.

In 2005 alone, PBA has assisted more than 5,000 children to receive free eye glasses through its partnership with Vision Service Plan's "Sight for Students" program.

Vision disorders are the most prevalent handicapping condition in children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that only a third of all children in the United States have had any form of eye care service before their sixth birthday. PBA recommends children have their vision checked at infancy, 6 months, 3 years and 5 years with follow-ups as needed. Parents can do their part by looking for the following signs for eye trouble in their children:

What do your child's eyes look like?

• Eyes don't line up, one eye appears crossed or looks out
• Eyelids are red-rimmed, crusted or swollen
• Eyes are watery or red (inflamed)

How does your child act?

• Rubs eyes a lot
• Closes or covers one eye
• Tilts head or thrusts head forward
• Blinks more than usual
• Squints eyes or frowns

To review a full copy of the Vision In Preschoolers Study, please visit http://www.nei.nih.gov/vip. For more information in both English and Spanish on childhood eye diseases and safety tips please visit www.preventblindness.org or call 1-800-331-2020.