Wishing you all the best in 2010!

“Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.”
—Hal Borland

Blogging about children’s vision proved to be another great year for Janet’s Journal.

From healthy tips to updates and political reports, advocating for our children’s best vision has again been rewarding and lots of fun.

Here are my top posts in 2009.  My favorites include: Top Ten “Eye do” and Don’ts; Here’s the Deal; AAP Vision Policy gets NSF; Eyes on U-Tube; and What’s Going On?  As always, your comments are welcomed and appreciated!

Thank you for visiting Janet’s Journal. Your friendship and support keeps me writing!

Healthy New Year! Top Ten “Eye do” and Don’ts Jan. 10, 2009
Here are my top ten “do and don’ts” for your eyes.  Oh oh…includes the #1 resolution I did NOT keep!
Read more here…

What’s Going On? February 1, 2009
Janet’s Journal took a new spin in February.  Read about my concerns while listening to a great song.
Listen and read here…

Vision First form rejected? April 19, 2009
When Illinois’ eye exam law went through the rule-making process, I had many questions why the state’s form would be the only form accepted as proof of an eye exam. Read the objections, voice of reason and common sense, and many great comments from supporters of the Vision First form here…

Janet Wins Seat on Grade School Board April 29, 2009
This post also links to my new education blog “Reaching the Stars.”
Yes, it’s been a busy year! Read about the election here…




Here’s the deal…”Illinois” Hold’em style!
May 18, 2009
Written for the novice poker player, here’s my spin on the famous game “Texas Hold’em.” Comments were great! Deal the kids a winning hand here…

Celebrating 7 Years on Vision Mission June 30, 2009
Today Illinois leads the nation with Amy’s Vision Law and a required eye exam before starting school.  Can’t believe it started seven short years ago!  Blessing to my daughter Amy for passing her vision screenings. Read more here…


AAP Vision Policy Gets NSF August 31, 2009
Another post with many great comments. Read my list of  ”overdrawn statements” followed by deposits.  Includes my analogy to breastfeeding, too.  Also links to helpful websites, articles, and Sue Barry’s book “Fixing My Gaze” here…

Eyes on U-Tube: Screening or Exam? September 30, 2009
View the video of Amy and me with Dr. Sandra Block. Made in 2004 and a winner of the National Eye Institute’s Healthy Eyes Healthy People grant! View here…

Janet attends COVD in Denver October 23, 2009
Attending the College of Optometrists in Vision Development convention was exciting and helpful.  Met many great people in the eye care field.  See fun photos here…

A closer look at H.R. 577–Vision Care for Kids Act Nov. 26, 2009
The Vision Care for Kids Act of 2009 aims to provide $65,000,000 over the next five years. Grant money will be awarded as follow-up care to states participating in vision screenings. OUCH…vision screenings!
Read more here…

Did you know I’m also an advocate to stop drunk driving?

Friends don’t let friends drive drunk.

If you’re going to drive, please don’t drink. And if you’re going to drink, please don’t drive. Read more on my new education blog here…


Make a difference in the eyes of a child! Follow three simple steps in 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.

Vision First respects your privacy. Your email address will not be shared or sold. Sign-up here today! Thank you for your interest and support.


Copyright © 2009 Janet Hughes. All rights reserved.

IDPH rejected the Vision First form, and JCAR approved a flawed rule.

The final State of Illinois Eye Examination Report was at last released along with the rulemaking for Illinois’ new eye exam law.

“No deal” is no surprise to Illinois.  August 2007, former Governor Blagojevich shocked supporters of better eye care for kids when he vetoed Senate Bill 641.

Two months later, Illinois legislators overrode his veto into law. Illinois became the third State in the nation to ensure all children starting school would have an eye exam by an eye doctor.

Too bad the intent of this law is not reflected in the final Rulemaking.  Our suggestions to improve the State of Illinois form were rejected, and our concerns about the proposed Rule were ignored.

Here is a brief summary:

• Schools will only count the State of Illinois Eye Examination Report as proof of an eye exam. FYI… Parents can still submit the Vision First form to their child’s school in addition to the State form for kindergarten.  The Vision First form can also be submitted for students in grades preschool through high school.  Learn the benefits of using the Vision First form here…

• The Rule for the vision law from 1987 was repealed. School boards will no longer be encouraged to adopt a policy of required eye exams along with required health exams at grades 6 and 9.  Isn’t academic learning estimated to be 80% visual?

• Also repealed in that Rule for the Vision Law of 1987 was the assurance that children on free and reduced lunch would get an eye exam. Instead of seeking help from non-profit groups such as Vision First and the Lions Club, the State is now promoting a waiver or a reason NOT to have an eye exam!

• When a child fails a school’s vision screening, parents will still receive the IDPH “Vision Examination Report.” I recommended this report be renamed to the what it really is… the IDPH “Vision Screening Report.”  I pointed out the doctor’s section should be replaced with the use of the new “Eye Examination Report.” Guess what? IDPH said they wanted ONE FORM and that there would only be ONE FORM for eye exams.  Geez… doesn’t this make two forms?

• The hottest diagnosis in eye care today is NOT included on the State form for starters. Also missing is “vision therapy,” a proven treatment option. Read the latest study on a common vision problem called convergence insufficiency or “CI” and vision therapy here. Important note: Vision therapy and CI are listed on the Vision First form.

“No deal” IS a big deal.

I love this quote:  ”If at first you don’t succeed, try another way.”

I can…

and I will.


Past posts about the Vision First form:

  Here’s the deal… “Illinois” Hold ‘em Style! May 18, 2009
Millions of children’s eyes are at stake. So here’s the deal… This was my last attempt seeking approval of our Vision First form by the Illinois Department of Public Health before the rulemaking was final for Illinois’ new eye exam law… in “Illinois” Hold ‘em style!

Vision First Form Rejected? April 19, 2009
Despite a resolution adopted by optometrists in 2007 in support of Vision First, Michael Horstman, the executive director of the Illinois Optometric Association (IOA), objected to Illinois accepting an alternate form for children’s eye exams. This post includes the Department’s objections countered by the Voice of Reason and Common Sense. Also includes many compliments!

Vision First form upgrades children’s eye care October 12, 2008
Includes the top ten benefits of using the Vision First form AND great comments from our first petition.

Dr. K’s Quest for the Vision First Form September 25, 2008
“Dr. K” was a founding honorary board member of Vision First. He was also one of the primary authors of the Vision First form with Dr. Floyd Woods, Dr. Floyd Mizener, and me. He quickly became one of my giants and mentors on this vision mission.

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.

Top Ten Reasons Why May 18, 2008
Here are the “Top Ten Reasons” why the Preschool and Student Comprehensive Eye and Vision Examination Report (Vision First form) should be approved.

Emergency Rule Needs 911 June 28, 2008
Here’s what I have to say about the emergency action taken by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and how it impacts you and the intent of the law.

We will miss you, Dr. Woods August 25, 2008
This 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. Dr. Floyd Woods was one of the primary authors of the Vision First form with Dr. Floyd Mizener, Dr. Irving Kernis, and me.

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!



Check out this great video on a convergence insufficiency:

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.

I’m shocked the Illinois Association of Ophthalmology (IAO) does not support required eye exams for children starting school. In their letter, the IAO applauds the Tribune for last week’s editorial, “We do not need another nanny-state mandate.”

The IAO states, “forcing every kindergartner in Illinois to obtain a comprehensive eye exam is not a cost-effective method to protect their sight.”

An eye exam is not a cost-effective method to protect a child’s sight? Illinois mandates health and dental exams three times during a child’s schooling to protect a child’s body and teeth. How could one eye exam, before a child starts learning to read and write, be wasteful for a child’s sight? Academic learning is estimated to be 80% visual.

The IAO favors “a less costly approach in which family physicians and pediatricians, who already provide school physical exams, would also conduct a careful vision and eye health examination.”

Ha! The “careful vision and eye health examination” supported by the IAO is really a vision screening. Don’t be fooled. Do you know vision screening does not diagnose vision problems? Only an examination by an eye doctor can.

Two of my children passed vision screenings with undetected vision problems by the school and pediatrician. I learned the “cost-effective method” doesn’t work.

As a parent, I want what’s best for our kids—an eye exam by an eye doctor. All parents, schools, and doctors should want the same.

What do you think of the IAO’s position?

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.

A record breaking 32-below-zero didn’t stop the North Dakota Optometric Association (NDOA) on March 6-7 from giving me a warm welcome. As their guest keynote speaker from Chicago, Illinois, it was an honor to share my story and mission with an eager and thankful group.

I met many great eye doctors and people who want the best in children’s eye care: Dr. Melanie and Clayton Oltmanns; Dr. David Biberdorf; Dr. Mark Moen; Dr. Avery Jones; Dr. Mark Helgesen; Dr. Dori Carlson; Dr. Bob and Gloria Nyre; Dr. Nate and Angie Shilman; Dr. Kyle Krein; Dr. Steve Looysen; Dr. Geoffrey Rath; Dr. Jim Helmers; Dr. Kristin Engstrom; Dr. Meredith Clark; Dr. Greg Otto, David Waterman and Charity Reitneier from Waterman Video, Tracy Thomas from NDOA, and NDOA Executive Director Nancy Kopp and her husband Bill.

The hockey game Friday night was a real treat, too. The University of North Dakota’s state-of-the-art arena was magnificent! Thank you, NDOA, for the souvenir Fighting Sioux tee-shirt and sweatshirt. I love it! Thank you again, Nancy, for inviting me to your great state.

I also met another great mom when my plane transferred in Minnesota. She emailed me last month after reading about Illinois’ new eye exam law in the December 2007 issue of Primary Care Optometry News. (Read the full story on the Vision First Foundation website. Yeah! Thanks to my awesome brother, the Vision First website is finally “live!”) It was nice to put a face to a name. Her daughter’s vision problem went undetected by an ophthalmologist. More about this mom later as we work together on future legislation in her state.

Do you believe my husband only called me once? As my first time away from all five kids, he had everything under control. God bless him for being a great dad and husband. I would not be able to volunteer and help others without his support.

My flight was another story. Ah yes…I found relief from that awful ringing in my ears since the cicadas were in Chicago this past summer. My tinnitus met its match when I was on that airplane—engine jet noise! But no…my luggage had a mind of its own and ended up in Austin, Texas. My first presentation was not in my planned black suit with black patent Vera Wang spiked heels.

Thanks to Clayton and his kindness to cart me around town Friday morning, I was able to go shopppppping for make-up and clothes before show time at noon. I found a cute pink Chaps sweater and tight Daisy Fuentes hip-hugger jeans on clearance at my favorite store, Kohl’s, to make me a “cool mom” when giving my talk. (According to my girls, “cool” is the opposite of “old-fashioned.”) At 70% off the regular price, the nice manager also gave me an extra 15% off my total purchase because the airlines lost my luggage. “Cool mom?” Hey…I’m a “smart mom!”

I found humor in this awful position. God has a way of turning troubles into something good, even though I think all baggage handlers could benefit from a complete eye exam.

I opened my talk with the ABC’s of luggage care:

• A—Always: Attach anything awesome to your bag. When the airlines asked me to describe my luggage, I wish I could have said, “My bag is the navy blue American Tourister with neon pink polka-dots.”

• B—Be proactive: Bring “babies” on board. Anything you can’t live without, within federal regulations, bring it on board in a carry-on bag.

• C—Check, Check, Check: Check the checked tag carefully. The tag should match your airlines, flight number, and destination. If there is a plane transfer, question if the appropriate tags are being used. Ask if an eye-catching “priority” tag can be added to ensure your bag arrives with you.

Thanks to Tracy, my PowerPoint that was emailed during the week was ready to go, even though I wished we had a trial run first. My “Mother’s Mission” went smoothly despite a few glitches and some laughs amidst a serious topic. During the ending, my cell phone rang. Yikes…in my mad rush, I forgot to turn off my cell phone before my talk!

The presentation ended with several pointed questions that needed clear direct answers. One optometrist told me afterwards that she liked the fact I didn’t “waffle” between screenings and exams.

The solution to me is in black and white. When it comes to our eyes, we cannot afford to waffle in that gray area. Complete examinations by an eye doctor are the only way to find eye and vision problems.

Was that call from my husband? No, it was the airlines…they found my luggage!

I hope the many new friends and fine eye doctors I met in North Dakota will join us in our campaign. Next to finding lost luggage and a great bargain at Kohl’s, the “Kids Eyes Count Campaign” by Vision First is the best deal in town.

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