Michigan Youth Vision Initiative Surveying Michigan Elementary Educators To Build An Understanding Of Their Knowledge And Opinions About Students; Visual Needs.

Background: There have been many studies conducted in the past concerning the
correlation between vision and academic performance. However, there has been limited
research performed related the amount of this information that has reached the general
elementary school educator population. Our goal is to determine the amount of
knowledge educators have on this subject, and what methods are in place to aid teachers in getting students' visual needs met. Methods: An online survey was distributed via email, to elementary school principles, superintendents and teachers in approximately 4 elementary schools from every county in the state of Michigan. Results: 134 individual teachers responded from 22 counties throughout Michigan. 86% believed that the state should enact a program requiring a mandatory comprehensive vision exam prior to entry in kindergarten. Conclusion: Teachers could learn a lot more about signs and symptoms of vision related learning issues. We as optometrists can help fill this gap. The teachers
believe that the State of Michigan should advance its laws by requiring comprehensive
eye exams for elementary students before entering kindergarten