"Babies need an eye exam, too?" Cooper, age 5 months

Baby’s first Christmas, baby’s first step, baby’s first tooth… Parents love celebrating all those firsts with their new little one!

Did you know a baby should also have a first eye exam?

“Babies explore their world with their eyes,” explains Dr. Pete Kehoe, past president of the American Optometric Association and advocate of the public health program InfantSEE. “It’s important a baby’s eyes are checked to ensure healthy eyes and normal visual development. I’m thrilled to see Vision First and their Kids Eyes Count Campaign promote infant eye care.”

Cooper’s new parents couldn’t agree more. “Nothing is more important to me then protecting my child’s eyes,” said Cooper’s new mom, Cindy. “When you’re a mom, you see the world through the eyes of your child. Those eyes see and appreciate things that we adults take for granted.  It’s great there are groups supporting the best in children’s eye care.”

Baby wellness check-ups by a pediatrician should not be confused with eye care by an eye doctor. Even though the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends vision screenings for all children, parents need to know that a vision screening is not be a substitute for an eye examination. Vision screenings are limited. Only an eye doctor can identify vision problems and prescribe treatment.

Little Mark's first eye exam in 2002

The American Optometric Association recommends a baby’s first eye exam at 6 months of age. An optometrist will test for large or unequal amounts of refractive error, eye movement ability, and eye health.

“Babies are a pleasure to examine,” said Dr. Kehoe.  ”It’s great giving moms and dads the good news that their baby’s eyes are healthy and developing normally.  The InfantSEE exam is the perfect opportunity to educate parents about a lifetime of healthy vision.”

For babies 6-12 months

To ensure all babies have their first eye exam before their first birthday, optometrists who are members of InfantSEE will provide one free eye appointment for all babies who are between 6 -12 months of age as a no-cost public service.  Learn more about InfantSEE here…

Eye and vision problems are best detected and treated early. Thank you for your interest and support in bettering children’s eye care.

Cooper says, "Hey... this kid's eyes count!"

Follow three simple steps and be a part of the Kids Eyes Count Campaign:

1. KNOW vision screening is not a substitute for an eye examination.

2. MAKE comprehensive eye and vision examinations by an eye doctor part of a child’s health care.

3. KEEP eye care health and good vision habits a priority.

Join the “Kids Eyes Count” email list here! Receive updates and important news. Vision First respects your privacy. Your email address will not be shared or sold.
Sign-up here today!

Learn how babies learn to see! Check out this great page from the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) website here…

Check out this great page from the AOA’s website on infant’s vision here…


This post is the first of my new series called, “Members Making a Difference.” Look for a new special member each month. Enjoy!


Copyright © 2010 Janet Hughes. All rights reserved.

Bob Williams, executive director of the Optometric Extension Program (OEP) and Dr. Paul Harris (MD) at COVD convention

Attending the 39th annual convention of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) proved a great experience for Vision First from October 14-17, 2009.

Held at the Marriott Denver Tech Center in Denver, Colorado, each day was filled with exciting exhibits, meetings, and workshops about the latest in behavioral vision care.

I was thrilled to make a great number of influential contacts at this convention who will help in my efforts to protect our children’s vision.

COVD is a national organization that provides board certification for eye doctors and vision therapists in vision therapy, visual rehabilitation, and behavioral vision care.

For more information on COVD, please visit their website here.

Make a difference in the eyes of a child.  Join the “Kids Eyes Count Campaign.”

• KNOW vision screening is not a substitute for eye examination.
• MAKE comprehensive eye and vision examinations by an eye doctor part of a child’s healthcare.
• KEEP eye care health and good vision habits a priority.

Join the “Kids Eyes Count” email list here. Receive updates and important news!

Please note Vision First respects your privacy. Your email address will not be shared or sold. Sign-up here today!

C O M I N G   S O O N!  Starting January 2010, each month Janet’s Journal will feature “Members making a difference!”

1. NEW VISITORS: The first 5 new visitors who join the Kids Eyes Count email list will have the option to be featured on Janet’s Journal!
2. EXISTING MEMBERS: The first 5 members to post a comment will have the option to be featured, too!

Make a difference here…

COVD Presidents-Current, past and future?

View more fun photos on the Vision First website here!

Thanks to everyone at COVD for all you do for children’s vision!

Shown to the left:  COVD President-Elect Dr. Brad Habermehl, Past-President Dr. Dan Fortenbacher, Immediate Past-President Dr. Carol Scott, and Dr. Phil Bugaiski.

You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins. —Jim Stovall

Thank you for your support of Vision First Foundation.

Fun at the banquet

COVD President Dr. Brad Habermehl (MI) and Dr. John Abbondanza (MA)

Janet tests eye/hand coordination

Applauding new COVD Fellow Dr. Shelley Kim of Illinois

Dining with Yogi Bear

Celebrating with COVD Past-President (1996-98) Dr. W.C. Maples of Tennessee

Webmasters Dr. Jarrod Davies (UT), Dr. David Damari (TN) and Dr. Robin Price (UT)

Paul Magaudda from California

Meeting author Sue Barry

Dr. Stephanie Johnson-Brown (Chicago, IL) receives two awards for nephew and star football player Larry Fitzgerald

Dr. Brian Berliner from New York

Dr. Kara Heying from Iowa

Congratulations to award winner Dr. Dominick Maino of Chicago, Illinois!

Dr. Carl Hillier from California

Vision therapist Ruth from Michigan

COVD Past-President (2004-05) Dr. Lynn Hellerstein (CO)

My Uncle Jack and Kathy of Colorado

My special friend Elaine (CO)

Dr. Dave Grisham from California

New friends Margie (CA) and Ali (CO)

Dr. Daniel Gottlieb (GA)

Missing the mountains

View more fun photos on the Vision First website here!


Copyright (c) 2009 Janet Hughes. All rights reserved.

Produced by the Illinois Optometric Association (IOA) in 2004. Winner of the “Healthy Eyes, Healthy People” grant awarded by the National Eye Institute.

Save a child’s vision. Save a child’s future.

Join the Kids Eyes Count Campaign:

Join the “Kids Eyes Count” email list here!

For further information, please visit: www.VisionFirstFoundation.org.


Copyright (c) Janet Hughes. All rights reserved.

When I was growing up, my beloved father was full of inspiration: “Find a need, and fill it.”

I valued his wisdom.  Surprisingly during the summer of 2002, my eldest daughter’s first eye exam found a serious problem that vision screenings missed!

Shocked at the eye doctor’s findings, I thought the vision screening “passed” the wrong child. Having read almost every book on parenting and motherhood, I did everything that was recommended or required by the pediatricians and school.  Why didn’t I know anything about children’s eye exams?

My family and I learned an important lesson that day; a lesson needed to be shared with everyone:  Vision screening is not a substitute for an eye exam by an eye doctor.

Yes… I found a need.  And for the past seven years, I’ve been inspired by my father to do all I can to fill it.

Today Illinois leads the nation with “Amy’s Law” and a required eye exam before starting school. My youngest son’s kindergarten registration packet will be complete with an eye exam form.  Every child across the nation deserves the same chance to ensure success.

I realize now the vision screenings didn’t pass the wrong child. The vision screenings passed the right child… mine!

Never underestimate your ability to make a difference.

Please join me on this mission.  Share your story with us.  Find answers, help, and hope here.  Make Vision First your mission, too.  Let’s bring children’s vision into the 21st century.

Together, we can make a difference in the eyes of every child.

Accomplishments listed here…

Make a difference here! Join the Kids Eyes Count email list…

Copyright (c) 2009 Vision First Foundation. All rights reserved.

May bring no tear to any eye

When this New Year in time shall end

Let it be said I’ve played the friend,

Have lived and loved and labored here,

And made of it a happy year.”  —Edgar Guest

18 posts, 163 great comments, almost 5,000 visits, AND a new puppy!  It’s been a great year blogging. Thank you for your friendship and for launching Janet’s Journal into success.  Sharing eye-opening news with you has been rewarding and lots of fun!

Here are my top posts in 2008. As always, your comments are welcomed. Enjoy… or for a second helping, enjoy again!

Janet goes to North Dakota! March 18, 2008
Welcome to Janet’s Journal! North Dakota Optometric Association inspired my first post about my trip as their guest speaker. Also includes the ABC’s of luggage care!
 
 
Vision First has a great form for eye exams. No Excuses. April 18, 2008
Every parent, school, and eye doctor can freely use the Vision First form for eye exams.  This post holds the number one spot for most reads total.
 
 
Nanny state mandate? No way! August 20, 2008
The Chicago Tribune was in the dark about Illinois’ new eye exam law…until I turned the light on! This is my favorite post!
 
 
We will miss you, Dr. Woods August 25, 2008This was the hardest post for me to write. Our dear friend and loyal supporter passed away peacefully in his sleep after a long battle with cancer during the morning of August 25, 2008.  Floyd Woods is deeply missed. Janet’s Journal had the most hits for two days straight thanks to all who loved Dr. Woods so much.
 
 
Vision First form upgrades children’s eye care Oct. 12, 2008
Includes the top ten benefits of using the Vision First form AND great comments from our first petition.  UPDATE:  We have a second petition in need of signatures.  Hope you’ll sign “Urge Illinois to accept Vision First form” here.
 

Trick or treat? Dispelling myths in eye care. October 31, 2008
Ghosts and goblins inspired these ten eye care myths dispelled in the Halloween spirit. Shared this post on Care2 News Network and it made the front page in two hours!

CHANGE We Need in Eye Care November 6, 2008Another post that made the front page at Care2 News Network. November 4, 2008 proved democracy is alive and that America IS a place where all things are possible.  May real changes in children’s eye care become a reality.

Feast for Your Eyes November 26, 2008My gratitude list of all the good at Vision First Foundation is here.  Includes links to every page on the Vision First website. FYI: “What’s New” has the latest info!  This post also made the front page at Care2 News Network (C2NN) thanks to my wonderful Care2 friends!


Santa Joins Campaign! December 3, 2008
Anyone who wants the best for children’s eyes can join the Kids Eyes Count Campaign…even Santa Claus! Ho ho ho… If  Santa joined, I hope you will, too! It’s simple, easy, and free.  Join here today. Please note your email address will not be shared or sold. This post also made the front page at C2NN. Wow…my friends are great!

Thank you, again, for all your help and support with Vision First.

God bless you in 2009 with health, happiness, and success!

“Act as if what you do makes a difference.  It does.”   —William James

Be informed! Receive updates and important information. Join our email list here.

Help us get our Vision First form accepted by Illinois.  Sign our on-line petition here.

P.S.  I’m also an advocate to stop drunk driving.

When you celebrate the new year, please remember…
don’t drink and drive.

You are worth it!

Copyright (c) 2008 Vision First Foundation. All rights reserved.

1. Trick or treat? Vision disorders are not common in children.
TRICK! The National Eye Institute reports vision disorders are the most common handicapping condition in childhood.

2. Trick or treat? Children will tell an adult when they have a vision problem.
TRICK! Children with impaired vision often do not know it. They can be very good at compensating and accommodating poor vision.

3. Trick or treat? Children should be given vision screenings.
TRICK! The latest study by the National Eye Institute found vision screenings missed between 32 and 63% of vision problems identified by eye examinations.

4. Trick or treat? Vision screenings are good enough.
TRICK! Vision screenings attempt to separate those with possible vision problems (fail) from those without (pass) and nothing more. Vision screenings do not diagnose eye and vision problems. Read this article and more on the Vision First website…

5. Trick or treat? Vision screenings test and evaluate.
TRICK! Vision screenings do not test and evaluate. Only an eye doctor’s eye exam can. There is a big difference between screenings and exams. Read this fact sheet…

6. Trick or treat? 20/20 eyesight is perfect vision.
TRICK! 20/20 (or clear visual acuity) is NOT perfect vision. The eyes also need to work together as a team. Read about the eye chart here…

7. Trick or treat? A pediatrician can diagnose amblyopia or “lazy eye.”
TRICK! Only an eye doctor’s eye exam can diagnose amblyopia. (optometrist or ophthalmologist) A pediatrician does not have the equipment and training.

8. Trick or treat? Vision and learning are NOT related.
TRICK! Vision IS related to learning! Read this great article about learning difficulties here…

9. Trick or treat? Children with ADD, ADHD, or other learning problems don’t have a vision problem.
TRICK! These children could have a learning-related vision problem. Read another great article that explains how education can benefit from behavioral optometry here…

10. Trick or treat? Vision therapy is “hocus pocus.”
TRICK! Vision therapy is NOT “hocus pocus.” It is a proven treatment. Read the latest study that proves vision therapy is effective for one type of vision problem called, “convergence insufficiency or CI” here. Note: Vision therapy and CI is listed on the Vision First form but not on the State form in Kentucky, Missouri, or Illinois.

Don’t be tricked. Our children deserve the best treatment. Vision First is full of treats!

What’s new! Give parents the choice to upgrade children’s eye care.  Sign our petition here. (Posted 10/31/08)

Thank you for your support of Vision First Foundation.


Copyright (c) 2008 Vision First Foundation. All rights reserved.

Vision First reached that point. We’re on our way to helping many more children.  Now we need our Vision First form approved by the state to ensure our success.

The proposed permanent rule for Illinois’ new eye exam law was posted September 5th in the Illinois Register. Unfortunately, it mimics the emergency rule that needed 911 in June. Our Vision First form was not included as proof of an eye exam.

Do you think the Vision First form should be accepted as proof of an eye exam? If so, please sign our petition here…

Let your voice be heard over the next 45 days. Public comment period starts now and ends October 19, 2008 at midnight.

1. What is the “public comment period?” When a bill is passed into law, rules must be written regarding the law’s implementation. This rulemaking process has two steps:  first and second notice.  The public has the chance to comment on proposed rules during these two times.  For further information, visit JCAR for the Illinois Rulemaking Process.

2. The Vision First form should be approved. How can I help? You can help by signing our petition, writing a letter, and sharing our website and blog with your family and friends. You do not have to live in Illinois. Anyone anywhere can support our cause!

3. Where can I sign the petition? You can sign here!

4. Where do I send a letter? Send (or email) your letter to:

Ms. Susan Meister, Administrative Rules Coordinator
Illinois Department of Public Health
535 W. Jefferson Street, 5th Floor
Springfield, IL 62761
EMAIL: dph.rules@illinois.gov

Subject: Objection to proposed rule for Public Act 95-0671

Also, copy your letter to: JCAR@ilga.gov and VisionFirst@care2.com.

5. Do you have a sample letter? Yes! View a sample letter here or read my letter.

Your voice counts.

Together…we will be heard.

Copyright (c) 2008 Vision First Foundation. All rights reserved.

It’s about time all children starting school for the first time in Illinois have an eye exam. Opponents of the new law disagree.

“Not Seeing Eye to Eye” appeared on the front page of the Chicago Tribune today. I was quoted along with a parent, school superintendent, optometrist, ophthalmologist, and the chief sponsor of the bill, Senator Deanna Demuzio.

I’m shocked educated professionals would “question the merits of the new law.” Illinois requires health and dental exams. Since academic learning is estimated to be 80% visual, shouldn’t eye exams be included?

In 1969, Illinois enacted the Vision and Hearing Test Act. Mass vision screenings would be mandated for all children. Screeners would be certified after a three-day-class for $100. Illinois tax-payers would pay the bill for these vision screenings. Fast and cheap was said to be the best way to find possible vision problems. Yikes! Shouldn’t we question the merits of mandated vision screenings?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) “recommends screenings as a cost-effective way to evaluate a child’s vision.” A cost-effective way to evaluate a child’s vision? Sure…as long as it’s not my child! Do you feel the same way?

I’m disappointed the AAP would make this statement. The bill for my son’s kindergarten health exam, blood and urine samples, and shots was $629! Screenings do not evaluate, and screeners cannot diagnose vision problems. Illinois law confirms vision screening is not a substitute for an eye exam.

Tribune reporter Tara Malone summed-up the controversy very well with my quote near the end of the story…we needed to raise the standards. And we did in Illinois.

Do you think children’s vision should be brought into the 21st century?

Read another great news story that headlined last month in the Lemont Reporter-Met: State Turns Its Eye to Student Vision!

Copyright (c) 2008 Vision First Foundation. All rights reserved.

But at the same time, a break from cooking and cleaning can’t top making the front page of a newspaper!

Thanks to Dr. Sam Forzley and Dr. Sandra Bury, two great reporters called me about my part in Illinois’ new eye exam law. The Lemont Reporter-Met, the Southtown Star, and the Herald News covered the reason all kindergarteners should have an eye exam by an eye doctor before starting school.

It was the press we needed. It’s about time the public knows the truth. Required vision screenings miss vision problems, yet screening advocates are planning to repeal this law and stop any future bills for required eye exams in other states! Do you believe that?!

Vision First will continue to fight for what’s best for the children. Will you join us in our Kids Eyes Count Campaign?

Copyright (c) 2008 Vision First Foundation. All rights reserved.

Here are the “Top Ten Reasons” why the Vision First form should be approved:

10. Parents, schools, and eye doctors have been successfully using the form since 2003. The first version, called the “Preschool and Student Vision Examination Report,” was created over five years ago because there wasn’t a state form for only eye exams.

9. The Vision First form was updated to meet the new eye exam law. The minimum requirements for an eye exam (history, visual acuity, subjective refraction to best visual acuity near and far, internal and external examination, and a glaucoma evaluation) are found on the updated “Preschool and Student Comprehensive Eye and Vision Examination Report.”

8. The Vision First form exceeds the state’s minimum requirements. It’s not just a form for an eye exam. It’s a form for a complete eye and vision evaluation. Eye health, visual acuity, refractive evaluation, and visual efficiency are titled to show what a complete exam by an eye doctor should include.

7. The Vision First form emphasizes visual efficiency. Visual efficiency is the area which is most often the cause of vision problems that affect reading, learning, and school performance.

6. The Vision First form was created for the parent and teacher. The definitions on the form give the eye exam purpose and meaning. A completed report will help a teacher provide an excellent educational program. Successful treatment depends on parent compliance and cooperation from the school.

5. The Vision First form is part of the “Kids Eyes Count Campaign.” The “Kids Eyes Count Campaign” is simple and free. Prewritten letters for eye exams and vision screenings accompany the form.

4. The Vision First form has an added bonus—a “Reference Page.” The “Reference Page” has valuable information to further explain a comprehensive eye and vision examination.

3. The Vision First form is versatile. It can be used from preschool through high school, from vision screening failures to recommended and required eye exams. A form with both laws represented will make it easier for parents, schools, and eye doctors. The Vision First form could be used to meet two laws.

2. The Vision First form fulfills the intent of the law. Senate Bill 641 was initiated to ensure every child entering kindergarten would have an eye exam. A completed Vision First report signed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist should be acceptable by the state as proof of that eye exam.

1. Parents and schools deserve a choice. Opponents of required eye exams have kept the minimum eye exam requirements at the minimum. An alternate form should be available. The Vision First form raises the standards to ensure a complete exam by an eye doctor is performed. No child should experience school with an undetected vision problem.

Academic learning is estimated to be 80% visual. A comprehensive eye and vision examination ensures healthy eyes and good vision—a child’s best school supply.

Support the approval of the Vision First Preschool and Student Comprehensive Eye and Vision Examination Report.

Copyright (c) 2008 Vision First Foundation. All rights reserved.