Nonprofit Mississippi News In May, 9,000 third-graders in Mississippi learned that they are at risk of being dropped from school. They failed to clear the “third grade reading gate” the first time. However, that does not necessarily mean the students lack the language skills. Megan Lott, an optometrist, said that if a child has trouble tracking, focusing or fusing then they might not enjoy reading. It may be hard. They may have tried to avoid it. They might not be interested in pursuing a higher education, or a career that requires reading.” The Mississippi Optometric Association (Mississippi Vision Association) offer free eye exams for uninsured children who are unable to pass the test. To find out if their child is eligible, parents can visit the Mississippi Optometric Association website. Education and health professionals are more aware of the link between poor vision and poor classroom performance. We know that vision is more important than socioeconomic status in predicting academic success. We, the citizens of Mississippi, have a vested right to ensure that all our students succeed,” Amy Crigler, president of the Mississippi Optometric Association and optometrist, stated in a press release. According to Lott, who was a participating optometrist, approximately 88 percent of the students who participated in these free exams during the first year of the program needed glasses or other forms vision correction. According to the release, these organizations will also provide glasses for students who need them after their eye exams. The American Optometry Association says that although schools may offer free vision screenings, these exams are considered ‘woefully insufficient’ as they typically assess only visual distance acuity. According to the American Optometry Association, school vision screenings are often free for students. However, they don’t always find all vision problems. * Eye focusing is the ability to see clearly and accurately at all distances. This could be used to quickly switch between a chalkboard and a piece of paper on the desk. * Eye tracking is the ability to keep your eyes on a target while looking at different objects. This could be done by moving your eyes while reading a page, or looking at a moving object such as a ball. Eye teaming is the ability to use both eyes simultaneously and coordinate their movements along a page. It also allows you to judge distances in sports and see depth in classwork. Eye hand coordination: Ability to see and control the movements of your hands while drawing or hitting a ball. * Visual perception: Ability to see and organize images onto a page into words and letters, ideas, understand, and remember. If your child is experiencing vision problems such as double vision, blurred vision, loss of place, difficulty reading, or eye rubbing/blinking (American Optometry Association), it is recommended that you have comprehensive eye exams performed by a professional. This free program for eye exams is now in its fifth year. Lott stated that the program was founded by optometrists, who recognized the need to provide assistance for students in trouble. “There’s a strong connection between vision and learning in a classroom,” Lott said. According to the Mississippi Department of Education, about 3,000 more children passed reading tests on their second attempt. Students can retest until July 12.