Lees Summit Eye Care, Eye Doctors and Optometrists at Eyecare Associates of Lees Summit, Missouri

Lees Summit Eye Doctors
Lee's Summit Optometrists

At a Glance

Childrens Vision Law
  • According to the National Parent Teacher Association, an estimated 10 million children suffer from vision problems.
  • Studies reveal that 60% of students identified as problem learners have undiagnosed vision problems.
  • Prevent Blindness America statistics show that 1 in 20 preschoolers and 1 in 4 school-age children have vision problems.

Vision Changes Over Time

Conservative estimates show 10 - 15% of children (8 - 12 million kids) are at risk from an undetected vision impairment, but children whose world has gone fuzzy don’t know they aren’t seeing like everyone else. Diagnosing their vision problems requires a comprehensive eye examination from a
trained eye care professional.

Comprehensive eye examinations diagnose:

  • Amblyopia (“lazy eye”) which affects 5% of children.
  • Color vision deficiencies (color blindness), which affect 8% of all boys.
  • Myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, three common refractive problems that are easily treated with corrective lenses.

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Childrens Vision Law

Beginning July 1, 2008, all children entering kindergarten or first grade are required to have a comprehensive eye
examination. Evidence of the exam shall be submitted to the school no later than January first of the school year.

Children will not be kept out of school because they lack the eye exam requirement, and every effort will be made to make sure all Missouri’s children are ready to learn.

About the Law

  • The Commission will be composed of two optometrists, two ophthalmologists, one school nurse, a representative of the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education, and a representative from the Missouri School Board Association.

  • The Commission will establish statewide guidelines for the exams and the reporting
    process.

  • The Missouri statute calls for the formation of a Children’s Vision Commission, the members of which shall be appointed by the governor.

Vision Skills Needed for School


A good education means good schools and teachers. It also
requires good vision. When children can’t see well, they are
at an educational disadvantage. Basic vision skills needed for
school are:

  • Near Vision See clearly & comfortably at 10-13”
  • Distance Vision See clearly & comfortably beyond
    arm’s length
  • Binocular Coordination Eyes work together
  • Eye / Hand Coordination Eyes & hands work together
  • Eye Movement Skills Eyes move accurately across a
    page & shift quickly from one thing to another
  • Focusing Skills Both eyes focus at proper distance &
    change focus quickly
  • Peripheral Awareness Aware of things at side while
    looking straight ahead

Children's Vision Law Online Resources

Missouri Optometric Association: Children's Vision Law FAQ

Letter to Public School Administrators & School Nurses

Children's Vision Law Brochure

Senate Bill NO. 16

(Power Point Presentation)

Presentation on the children's vision bill

Call for an Eye Doctor Appointment in Lee's Summit, MO at: (816) 524-8900