“A new report authored by volunteer researchers and staff of the National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health at Prevent Blindness (NCCVEH), titled “Association of Sociodemographic Characteristics with Pediatric Vision Screening and Eye Care: An Analysis of the 2021 National Survey of Children’s Health” in Ophthalmology, found that only 53 percent of U.S. children received a vision screening in 2021. This disparity is even more pronounced among children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Without early detection and treatment, uncorrected vision disorders can impair healthy development, interfere with learning, and even lead to permanent vision loss. However, vision screening and regular eye care can help detect and treat potentially irreversible vision impairment. Visual functioning is a strong predictor of academic performance in school-age children.”

Prevent Blindness (Prevent Blindness Expresses Concern Over Medicaid Community Engagement and Eligibility Requirements for Visually Impaired – Prevent Blindness)