Many of us didn’t have to think twice when we received glasses as a child. Our parents took us to the optometrist and we walked out with snazzy spectacles. Foster children, though, may not feel comfortable enough to ask their parents for glasses. This is understandable considering the cost of corrective vision.
Cost
On average, single vision glasses can be anywhere from $100-$300. An eye exam costs $50-$100, and an annual supply of contact lenses can be $220-$260. Contact lenses may seem like a luxury, but a lot of pre-teens and teenagers need them for sports.
Statistics
The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that a third of American children between the ages of 12 and 17 are nearsighted, but only 40% undergo vision screenings to obtain eyeglasses. The stats aren’t much better with younger children. 48% of parents with kids under twelve have never taken them to an optometrist.
Why Children Need Glasses
One in four children need glasses. 80% of what children learn are visually processed. They need corrective vision in order to read the blackboard or text books in front of them. Conditions like strabismus (crossed eyes) can turn flipping book pages into a headache.
Bad vision can hinder a child’s education. Studies find that children with less than 20/20 vision are 3 times as likely to fail a grade, despite spending 30% more time on classwork. They’re much more prone to make errors due to their vision.
Low vision can also impact a child’s social life. For example, they may not be able to read facial expressions well if they can’t see features clearly.
How You Can Help
You can donate to the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation. Your proceeds go directly to helping foster children obtain resources such as glasses and eye exams. Donate today.