I started wearing glasses when I was maybe 10 years old. I remember my grandma talking to me from across the room one day, holding up two toothbrushes, asking me which one was mine. She noticed me squinting, not able to distinguish between the two. To me, it seemed perfectly normal, but she knew something wasn’t right.
There are many kids in the same situation, I’m sure! According to Transitions Optical, one in four children have an undiagnosed vision problem that can interfere with the ability to read and learn. Since practically 80% of what a child learns is visual, healthy sight is so important for our kids to make the most of their education. They can’t always sit in the first row!
Transitions created a website – Eye Didn’t Know That / Yo No Sabía Eso in Spanish – for kids to learn about the importance of healthy sight and how to maintain it in a fun and educational way. I don’t know about your kids, but mine would much rather play fun games online than hear a lecture from me! 
I took some time to explore the site with my girls. Maya loved the optical illusions, and I printed a couple of coloring sheets for Maura. They’re slowly learning the importance of taking care of their eyes; they each have two pairs of sunglasses (in case one is lost, as is usually the case), wear hats when out in the sun, and have even been eating more carrots! I think this site is definitely something a teacher can use to find resources on the topic.
Transitions has also partnered with the American Diabetes Associations (ADA) to offer free vision screenings in major cities across the nation – Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York this year. Recent reports have found that diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the United States among patients 24 to 74 years old, and diabetes runs in our family, so I know we definitely could benefit from regular visual screenings, especially if they’re free! Upcoming event: New York City on November 3, 2012.
Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Transitions Optical, however, all opinions expressed are my own. For more information about the company and the Transitions family of adaptive eyewear, visit www.transitions.com.
