Healthy vision is essential for every child. Without good vision, a child’s performance in school, sports and everyday tasks becomes more difficult. Research has shown that 80% of what a child learns is through their sight. Early detection and treatment of vision disorders are important to maximize a child’s visual potential. The longer eye conditions are left untreated, the more likely they are to worsen, affecting learning ability, athletic performance and self esteem.
Primary health care providers can be consulted about vision concerns as a part of on-going patient care; however, ophthalmologists or optometrists are specialists in eye care and are routinely utilized to provide a comprehensive eye examination. If you do not already have a family eye care professional, you can find one in your area by contacting the following state organizations:
Ohio Ophthalmological Society: 614-572-6799, www.ohioeye.org
Ohio Optometric Association: 800-999-4939, www.ooa.org
Opticians Association of Ohio: 800-661-5367, www.oao.org
Ohio Amblyope Registry: 877-808-2422, www.ohioamblyoperegistry.com
If you already receive Medicaid, your child is eligible for an eye examination and a pair of glasses, if prescribed, yearly.
Healthy Start and Healthy Families is a free health coverage program for children from birth to age 19 who qualify based on family income. The Healthy Start and Healthy Families program covers vision services. For more information, call 1-800-324-8680 to request an application for enrollment, or download an application at http://jfs.ohio.gov/ohp/bcps/hshf/index.stm.
If you cannot afford to take your child to the eye doctor for an eye examination, you should contact your child’s primary health care provider for more information about the Sight For Students program which provides eye exams and glasses, if prescribed, to qualifying children.
The Ohio Department of Health sponsors vision clinics in 29 counties. A child under the age of 21 can be referred to a vision clinic if they meet the following criteria: an eye turn or pathology; a failed vision screening; or parent or teacher concern. Services performed are examination of the eyes to determine refractive and medical problems. Glasses are not provided at the clinics, but referral programs are available. For more information, call 614-466-5332 or go to the Ohio Department of Health’s website at http://www.odh.ohio.gov/odhPrograms/cfhs/hvscr/hvscr1.aspx.
