UTICA, NY — August marks Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, a national observance dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting children’s vision and ensuring early detection of eye conditions that can impact learning, development, and quality of life.
Healthy vision plays a critical role in a child’s development, learning, and overall well-being. According to Prevent Blindness, one in four school-aged children has a vision condition that may interfere with academic success. When eye conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), or myopia (nearsightedness) go undetected or untreated, they can contribute to learning difficulties, developmental delays, and behavioral concerns.
Eye safety is equally important. Thousands of children experience eye injuries each year because of sports activities, toys, and everyday household accidents. Many of these injuries can be avoided through proper supervision and the use of protective eyewear. The American Academy of Ophthalmology estimates that up to 90% of eye injuries are preventable.
As families prepare for the new school year, CABVI encourages parents to schedule comprehensive eye exams and stay informed about ways to protect their children’s vision. Early detection of vision problems can help ensure children have the tools they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.
CABVI’s low vision specialist Dr. Kimberly Wadas says an annual eye exam should be part of every child’s back-to-school checklist. “Identifying vision issues early helps children perform at their best academically, socially, and developmentally throughout the school year.”
For more information about CABVI’s programs and services, visit CABVI.org.
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About CABVI
The Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) is a social enterprise established in 1929 to provide services and employment to people who are blind or visually impaired. CABVI serves people of all ages in a 10-county region of Central New York. CABVI provides employment opportunities and a variety of vision rehabilitation services. For further details, please visit www.cabvi.org.
