How is Your Child’s Vision?

 

Good vision is key to a child’s physical development, school success and well-being. The visual system is not fully developed in babies and young children. Equal input from both eyes is necessary for normal development of the brain’s vision centers. If a young child’s eyes do not send clear images to the brain, vision may become limited in ways that cannot be corrected later in life. Routine vision screenings are important for early detection of vision problems. If a problem is detected during a screening, a comprehensive eye exam should be obtained. However, most children do not need such an exam.

 

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires insurance plans to offer pediatric services including vision services, through state health insurance exchanges, as one of the 10 required categories of essential health care benefits beginning January 1, 2014. Some plans include optical benefits. Qualified health plans will provide coverage for timely vision screening for the early detection and treatment of eye and vision problems. This includes maintaining a schedule of vision screening during childhood and adolescence. Ideally, these screenings are done in the pediatrician’s office.  Call Nashua Eye Associates for an exam if:

» Referred by your pediatrician or school nurse

» Your child fails a vision screening

» Vision screening is inconclusive or cannot

be performed

» Your child has a vision complaint