“I am thankful that it was caught. If he had not been screened, I can’t imagine what would have happened.”

A leading preschool vision screening study notes that vision screening is critical to the welfare of our children and can have an impact no only on vision and eye health but also social development and productivity.

Four-year-old Drew participated in a free vision screening at his preschool conducted by Prevent Blindness Iowa volunteers. Drew was unable to pass the vision screening and was referred for a complete eye exam by an eye care professional. Drew was diagnosed with amblyopia or “lazy eye” – a sight-steeling disease that can cause permanent vision loss in one eye.

Drew’s mom Amy had not noticed any signs of a vision problem. Amy explains “I am thankful that it was caught. If he had not been screened, I can’t imagine what would have happened.”

Drew is now wearing glasses and may need a patch to help strengthen his weak eye. He will see an eye care professional regularly to monitor his vision. Thanks to the early detection of his vision problem, Drew will be able to do all his favorite things: play soccer and baseball and watch movies with two healthy eyes!