Nebraska Foundation for Children's Vision Logo
The Carrot
A Newsletter from the Nebraska Foundation for Children's Vision
October 2009
In This Issue
October is See To Learn Month
Resources for Low-Income Families
NFCV Activities

Eye Patch Options

VIsionEvalFrustrated with Eye Patches?

eye patch

Eye patches to treat Amblyopia (lazy eye) have typically been the kind pirates wear - black with a strap around the head. These can be difficult to keep on kids, especially if the child does not like it. For some fun and practical alternatives to the typical eye patch, check out these websites:
 
Eye Patch Web Sites:

www.ortopadusa.com

www.framehuggers.com 

www.eye-patch-info.com  

www.anissasfunpatches.com

www.myipatches.com


Note: NFCV does not endorse or specifically recommend any of these products.

VisionFactQVision Fact

MagnifEYE

Human eyes do not
grow.The size of
your eye now is the
same as when you
were born.
 
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Vision Term Definition
AmblyopiaAmblyopia:
Also called lazy eye. Undeveloped central vision in one eye that leads to the use of the other eye as the dominant eye. Strabismus is the leading cause, followed by anisometropia. There are no symptoms. The patient may be found squinting and closing one eye to see; there may be unrecognized blurred vision in one eye and vision loss. 
Have ideas for this newsletter? Email us at nfcv@assocoffice.net
October is See To Learn Month
 
 Nebraska Foundation for Children's Vision Logo
October is SEE TO LEARN® Month in Nebraska. If you have a 3-year-old, call 1-800-960-EYES to find a participating See To Learn optometrist in your area, and schedule a free vision assessment today. If you know someone who would benefit from this information, please pass it on.
 
Problems in a child's vision may go undetected because they assume everyone sees the same way they do. Because good vision is critical to learning--more than 80 percent of learning is done visually--it is especially important to start checking vision at an early age.

To catch vision disorders before the first year of school, Nebraska's participating SEE TO LEARN® optometrists provide FREE vision assessments for any 3-year-old, regardless of economic status. 

Find out more about SEE TO LEARN®. Visit www.seetolearn.com or www.nechildrensvision.org/SeeToLearn.htm.  
 
STLResources for Low-Income Families
eye exam
Even when you know a child has a vision issue, financial circumstances might make it difficult, if not impossible, for the family to afford a visit to the eye doctor or eyeglasses. Healthy vision is far too important to learning to ignore a problem. There are many resources available for families who find this situation, including these:
  • Insurance: Sometimes, parents may not that their health insurance may cover the cost of an eye exam.
  • Medicaid & Kids Connection: Office visits, eye exams and glasses are covered. Local social service offices have details as to eligibility.
  • School Nurses: Remember how valuable school nurses are as resources for information. Check there first for options they may know of, including eye doctors in the area who might occasionally donate their services. Many school nurses (if they belong to the National Association of School Nurses) have access to Sight for Students Coupons through VSP.
  • Local Lions Clubs or Community Organizations: LionsClubs throughout the state provide vision care assistance for needy families. Contact local clubs for details. Often, community health centers and community-based health services provide free eye exams for low income families that qualify, or coordinate the availability of reduced-cost services. Check with local social service agencies for options near you.
  • Nebraska Optometrists' Public Service Programs: Nebraska optometrists offer public service options to people of all ages. 
    • InfantSEE - participating optometrists offer a one-time, comprehensive eye assessment at no cost for infants in their first year of life. For providers go to www.infantsee.org.
    • See To Learn - a free vision assessment for 3-year-olds (see above article.) Go to www.seetolearn.com for participating providers.
    • Vision USA - helps low-income, uninsured people and their families by providing basic eye health and vision care services free of charge. Visit http://nebraska.aoa.org/visionusa.xml for eligibility guidelines and information about scheduling appointments. There is also a Spanish version of the Vision USA application

Click here for a printable list of Resources.

Contacts for Kids?
contact lensWhat is the Right Age for Contacts? 
Deciding if a child or teen is ready for contacts can be a big dilemma - and cause disagreements between the parents and child.
 
A parent may wonder, "Is my child old enough to wear contact lenses?"
 
These links can provide you with more information and may get you closer answering the real question - "Is my child mature enough for contacts?"
Halloween Eye Safety
 Nebraska Foundation for Children's Vision LogoHalloween Vision Tips
 
Keep your little ghouls' and goblins' vision safe during Halloween by following these tips from NFCV.
 
 
NFCVActivitiesNFCV Available to Speak
Need a Speaker?
We look forward to sharing information with more organizations across the state. If you are looking for a speaker at a meeting, a conference or an inservice, please contact us at nfcv@assocoffice.net.