Odyssey Magazine Issue 4 | Page 177

What does a comprehensive visual exam for children entail? Acuity (distance and near): the ability to see clearly and distinctly, in the distance as well as near (especially reading distance). Refraction: any inaccuracy of the eye to focus light onto the back of the retina can lead to conditions where children struggle to see the board, or have difficulty focusing at near reading distances. Binocular (eye 'teaming') skills: the ability of the eyes to aim, move and work together in unison. Stereopsis: the ability of the brain to integrate the images from both eyes, which affects depth perception. Focusing skills: the ability of the eyes to maintain clear vision at different distances. Eye fixation & tracking skills: the ability of the eyes to look at and accurately follow an object or line of print. Convergence & divergence: the ability of the eyes to accurately aim inwards and outwards while maintaining focus between different distances. Colour vision: the ability to differentiate colours. 'We are passionate about optometry, and will always have a very special interest in Paediatric Optometry.' IM Optical Optometrist Ilse Homan ODYSSEY?177 •? DIGIMAG