What are the 3 most common mistakes parents make when visiting the optometrist?
Expert: Dr. Leanne Liddicoat, a VSP Vision Care network optometrist.
1. Confusing those school screenings with eye exams.
"Too often, these quick screenings give parents a false sense of security. Parents think because their child's eyes have been checked in school, they don't need to see an optometrist, which isn't the case. In fact, sometimes screenings actually do more harm than good because it leaves many vision problems undetected. It's crucial that parents know the difference between eye exams and screenings. Only optometrists can see the health and development of your child's retinas and eye muscles."
"The American Optometric Association recommends that all children have a complete eye exam by an eye doctor at six months, three years and five years old. Between the ages of six and eighteen, your child should see an optometrist every two years, even if they've been screened by the school or pediatrician. Of course, if you're seeing poorly, you should schedule an exam sooner."
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