Here’s a lesson from a luncheon.  Prevent Blindness Indiana held its “Sight for Life” luncheon today.  It was a chance to promote good vision care — especially for children. 

PBI says, of the young people it screened last year, “about 12,000 or 21% needed a referral to an eye doctor.”  Today’s message also stressed the conclusion that poor vision “is a major factor contributing to teens leaving high school early.” 

Dr. Joel Zaba — an optometrist, researcher, and vision consultant — was the guest speaker.  He noted how the demands on our eyes have changed since the days of the old, traditional eye chart.  Now, much of what we see is 16 to 20 inches in front of us.  Technology makes us what he called “a near point culture.”

Dr. Zaba said children often don’t know when they have eye problems.  But, poor vision can appear as problems with their self-confidence and lead to feelings of inferiority.  Beyond that, he sees more than problems with school work.  Poor vision can lead to anti-social behavior.  So, his lesson is simple.  “Do as much as you can,” he says to make sure your children get proper screenings in grade school and even into high school.

If you need advice on that, contact Prevent Blindness Indiana.  I have also posted a clip of Dr. Zaba’s speech on my Facebook page.