Vision center offers free screenings in local schools Melissa Cason

By Staff
EAST FRANKLIN – Eye Care Associates in Russellville expanded their back-to-school vision screening this year to include screening inside the school system. Their first stop was Friday at East Franklin Junior High School.
Kay McAfee said they usually offer the back-to-school screening in the office for three days.
"We did the back-to-school screenings this year in the office, and our numbers doubled from last year," McAfee said. "So, we thought there might be families who could not make it to the office. That's why we decided to expand the program into the schools."
McAfee said the plan is the go to all the schools, but no timetable has been determined.
"We thought we'd try it at East Franklin, and then, we'd go into the other schools," McAfee said.
The vision screening is used to see if there is any indication that there is vision impairment. During the screening, both eyes are checked for problems.
"Eighty percent of learning is through your vision," Dr. Martha Greenberg said. "That's why we offer the screening each year to students."
McAfee said it's hard to know if your child has a problem with his or her vision because they don't complain about not being able to see.
"Children don't complain because they think that all other children are seeing like they are," McAfee said. "They don't really know there's a problem."