Vision Guidance for Kids Sight
Donation protected
Problem: It is estimated that 80% of learning that a child does is through sight. Most organizations recommend eye exams before 1 year old, then again at 3 and 5y/o, but statistics show only ~31% of kids, 6-16 years, have had an eye exam. Therefore, ~69% of kids have only had, at most, a vision screening through their basic learning years. After years of failed attempts to educate parents of the importance of eye exams, it's time we improve screenings to be more thorough, standardized and efficient to aid in more kids improved visual performance and ease of learning.
Examples: in only my last 2 days (when writing this) of seeing patients at my office, I've seen several examples. A 6.5 year old boy was seen for his 1st exam even though his mother has noticed him squinting since 3y/o. He was severely near-sighted already and was struggling with his alphabet which indicated to me his learning has already been compromised. I also saw a boy, 9y/o, and his sister, 7y/o. The boy was so near-sighted, he could only see my fingers when I was 5ft from him (~20/800) and he lost his glasses the prior year and struggled to see since. The sister complains of watery eyes when doing homework and the mother states that she gets tired and rubs her eyes too. I diagnosed her with convergence insufficiency based on simple testing and referred her for vision therapy. These are only 3 small examples in 2 days that have actually come to see me. Imagine what else slips through the cracks regularly.
Plan: I want to solve this problem by creating a non-profit to raise funds in order to help kids thrive by ultimately improving the pathway of 80% of learning. This should begin to help school test scores, grades and make smarter future generations. I will be starting in the greater Philadelphia area but the possibilities are endless.
When: With enough support, we should be contacting schools to start the process by next school year, fall 2015.
How: Once funds are raised, I will be visiting schools to offer free updated and standardized equipment, helping set-up effective and efficient testing areas, offering my time for training of screeners, possibly assisting in some screenings, and being a constant referral source. The screenings will be more thorough as well, to include binocular function, color vision and more.
Who: My name is Dr. Lucas Baird and I have been practicing optometry in the greater Philadelphia area for about 3 years. I believe knowledge and education is power and I have a soft spot for kids. I went to undergrad at USciences in west Philly, and professional school at Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Elkins Park, PA. I will be the primary educator, resource and officer of the organization. I've worked in both private practice and retail settings and have conducted hundreds of screenings and exams both through my educational and professional years. I look forward to making a difference in the greater Philadelphia area and hopefully beyond.
Thanks!
Examples: in only my last 2 days (when writing this) of seeing patients at my office, I've seen several examples. A 6.5 year old boy was seen for his 1st exam even though his mother has noticed him squinting since 3y/o. He was severely near-sighted already and was struggling with his alphabet which indicated to me his learning has already been compromised. I also saw a boy, 9y/o, and his sister, 7y/o. The boy was so near-sighted, he could only see my fingers when I was 5ft from him (~20/800) and he lost his glasses the prior year and struggled to see since. The sister complains of watery eyes when doing homework and the mother states that she gets tired and rubs her eyes too. I diagnosed her with convergence insufficiency based on simple testing and referred her for vision therapy. These are only 3 small examples in 2 days that have actually come to see me. Imagine what else slips through the cracks regularly.
Plan: I want to solve this problem by creating a non-profit to raise funds in order to help kids thrive by ultimately improving the pathway of 80% of learning. This should begin to help school test scores, grades and make smarter future generations. I will be starting in the greater Philadelphia area but the possibilities are endless.
When: With enough support, we should be contacting schools to start the process by next school year, fall 2015.
How: Once funds are raised, I will be visiting schools to offer free updated and standardized equipment, helping set-up effective and efficient testing areas, offering my time for training of screeners, possibly assisting in some screenings, and being a constant referral source. The screenings will be more thorough as well, to include binocular function, color vision and more.
Who: My name is Dr. Lucas Baird and I have been practicing optometry in the greater Philadelphia area for about 3 years. I believe knowledge and education is power and I have a soft spot for kids. I went to undergrad at USciences in west Philly, and professional school at Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Elkins Park, PA. I will be the primary educator, resource and officer of the organization. I've worked in both private practice and retail settings and have conducted hundreds of screenings and exams both through my educational and professional years. I look forward to making a difference in the greater Philadelphia area and hopefully beyond.
Thanks!
Organizer
Luke Baird
Organizer
Philadelphia, PA
