Are your child's eyes ready for the classroom?

Parents want their children to succeed in school, and most will do whatever they can to help. But have you thought about checking your child's eyes? Before the kids head back to school this year, consider taking them to see an optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam.

Why? Your child's vision is a critical tool when it comes to learning. In fact, 80 percent of learning is achieved visually. However, the American Optometric Association reports that one in four school-aged children has some form of vision problem-which can hinder academic performance. And while many schools and pediatricians offer basic vision screenings, they are not a substitute for a thorough eye exam.

Undiagnosed vision problems in children can lead to difficulty with schoolwork, resulting in poor performance. Many times, children will not complain of vision problems simply because they don't know what "normal" vision looks like.