The attitude is: Whatever works can be proven to work. The AAP corollary that what hasn’t been adequately proven shouldn’t be supported will likely evolve once better evidence and more definitive clinical trials are available.

The time and effort directed toward rigorous scientific investigation will pay off with better standardization of diagnosis and treatment. By having MDs and ODs work together, we’ll reach common ground.

Another problem I have now is with the teachers many of whom refuse to realize his binocular vision is poor so he doesn’t see clearly. He can’t see but apparently many he encounters don’t care so it is a double whammy. The last time he had his eyes checked at age 8 he had some binocular vision which gives me hope that someday he may be able to see clearly. Imagine the results if this had been addressed in his first year of life?

So very many, many times I wanted to write you to absolutely congratulate you and encourage you in your attempt to upgrade vision screening and examinations…… so let me tell you why I have not done so.

Over 50 years ago, as a member of the prestigious health council in Park Forest, I suggested adding just one test to the school screening….besides the monocular Snellen eye chart, a test to give us a clue how the 2 eyes coordinate.. the stereo test. It was immediately challenged and rejected. And the elite group were the pediatricians and the family doctors. They suggested a meeting with the local ophthalmologists which I encouraged and never took place. That discussion rested in limbo. That was 50 years ago.

The good news rested in my newspaper column on eye care. It appeared week in and week out and resulted in the success of my local practice…it challenged the status quo over and over again. But the change in the vision screening never took place.

That’s why I was and am overwhelmed at your perseverance and dedication to improve the vision screening. And the fact that a school entry form for vision has come about is remarkable… especially circumventing the pediatricians and family practitioners.

When I came to your house at your last meeting, I felt I entered the twilight zone… like a rehashing of a discussion that took place 50 years ago. It proves that the discussion needs new blood,.and constant repetition…. and you’re doing it!

You’re welcome to any of my writings.
Keep up the good work.

Dr. T.

Your info for parents is excellent as ever.

I would like to add though that when it comes to the field of visual status and learning, ophthalmologists have little to no training in this area. Their specialty is in surgery and trauma.

Pediatricians have even less background in this area. It’s no wonder then that these professionals don’t ever discuss this treatment option. They really have litte to no background to give accurate information to parents. Therefore, they just avoid the subject to the disadvantage of the patient.

The true type of doctors these patients really should be seeing is a COVD affiliated optometrist. They’re the only type of doctor who is required to take continuing education in this field.

Hopefully with the work you’re doing the public will learn what is best for their families.

Keep up the great work!

Dr. Tom Poswilko