Halcyon Posted September 13, 2011 Share Posted September 13, 2011 (edited) We went to the doctor for our annual yesterday, and as I was watching my son read the letters off the board for his vision test, I was very surprised to see how many letters he got wrong (probably 4 letters, and I don't know what font size it was, but it was pretty darn visible to me). Anyway, I asked teh doctor and his vision isn't 20/20, that's for sure, but something "borderline" (I'm forgetting but I think he said it was 20/60). Now, this is my older son, who is a voracious reader, but reads slower than his younger brother. When he reads aloud, he sometimes misreads words, and I attributed that to rushing. Could it be a vision problem? Doc didn't seem concerned, but I wonder if an opthmaologist visit would be in order? My son "sneakily" borrowed my knitting glasses tonight and started reading aloud from his book, and I was quite surprised at how quickly and accurately he read...then I noticed he was wearing my glasses :glare: and it made me wonder.. ANyway, I don't have experience in this area at all and would love advice. ETA: doc said it was "not a problem". He's a ped, not a specialist. Edited September 13, 2011 by Halcyon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted September 13, 2011 Share Posted September 13, 2011 (edited) I wouldn't rely on a physician for much of any vision advice. I found this out the hard way. In my experience, their understanding and testing ability is...limited. Make an appt with a doctor who's good with kids. ETA: sorry, I meant to type pediatrician, not physician. Edited September 14, 2011 by stripe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlebug42 Posted September 13, 2011 Share Posted September 13, 2011 I would go to an eye doctor. I have found very few pediatricians that can accurately handle eye stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ria Posted September 13, 2011 Share Posted September 13, 2011 Yes, I think you should take him to an opthamologist, not an optometrist. He could just need glasses, he could have amblyopia, or a number of other things. The doctor will be able to give him a thorough evaluation and you'll feel better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crafty Mathy Mom Posted September 13, 2011 Share Posted September 13, 2011 My ds totally failed the eye chart at his check-up when he was 6. I was very worried because it looked like he was severely nearsighted. I took him to my optometrist for an exam. Ds turned out to be very slightly farsighted. It wasn't enough for glasses. Vision checks at a well child check are for screening only. They cannot diagnose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted September 13, 2011 Author Share Posted September 13, 2011 Thanks all-we'll be seeing someone soon :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
endurancerider Posted September 13, 2011 Share Posted September 13, 2011 Disclaimer: I used to work as an assistant to my Step-dad, who is an O.D. FYI, you have to have 20/40 vision or better to be legal to drive. To have the best testing, you will want to go to a Dr. that dilates the eyes. Children are able to compensate with their vision better than adults. Dilation makes it so the eye muscles relax, and are not able to compensate, straining the eyes (also allows to check for eye health problems). The standard recommendation is that all children have their eyes tested when they began reading for the first time (about age 5), or earlier if a problem is noticed. Hope that helps :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted September 13, 2011 Author Share Posted September 13, 2011 Okay thanks-definitely going to have it checked out. I'm curious if there's an issue! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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