An active member of the Amador Valley community retells the story of how her grandson was attending a local preschool where he was initially diagnosed with astigmatism. This condition can cause vision problems that lead to a child having a harder time in school to learn and grow. By catching this condition at such an early stage saved her grandson’s vision, before further issues appeared.
The Screening Eyes Early Program was her first encounter with Assistance League of Amador Valley, where she learned more about these volunteers and other programs they do for the Amador Valley community. She quickly became not only a member, but the chair of the Screening Eyes Early Program.
According to the National Eye Institute, approximately 2 to 3 out of every 100 children have “lazy eye” (or other visual acuity deficiencies).
Our trained members work with local Tri-Valley preschools to test the children for amblyopia and other vision problems. If something is discovered, the child is referred to an eye doctor for further testing. We screen approximately 500 children a year. In the past, the Assistance League has referred between 5-15 children for further testing by a professional.
However, the number of referrals increased in 2022. More children are being diagnosed with myopia, or nearsightedness, due to the increase in screen time during the pandemic. This is making it more important than ever to catch vision problems early so they can be corrected.
