Parents and guardians know deeply that a child’s health and well-being are of vital importance if the child is to thrive in different social settings, whether it’s school, athletics, or elsewhere. As the rhythms of summer make way for the responsibilities of the new school year, one thing parents should keep in mind is how beneficial an eye exam and a physical can be for their child. According to optometrist Kristine Huang, OD, MPH, FAAO and physician assistant Prana Yenkosky, MMS, PA-C, from Marshall B. Ketchum University’s Ketchum Health in Anaheim Hills, examinations such as these are essential to establish guidelines for preventative care as well as to ensure that any health issues are identified as early as possible.
In the state of California, vision screenings are mandated in kindergarten, second, fifth, and eighth grades, and Dr. Huang points out that – as beneficial as these are—it is still extremely important for children to undergo a full eye exam, since screenings are limited in what they can detect. “At the most basic level, if you cannot see, you cannot learn,” says Dr. Huang, who is the Chief of Pediatrics and Vision Therapy Service at Ketchum Health’s University Eye Center. “This is why a comprehensive examination, especially early in the year, sets a child up for success, making them vision-ready so that their vision is not a barrier to their learning.”
Even children with essentially 20/20 vision stand to benefit, because it’s possible that a child may see clearly only with great effort, which can lead to headaches, fatigue, and even blurry vision. “We’re not just looking at their refractive error,” explains Dr. Huang. “We’re also looking at their eye focusing and their eye teaming skills, where deficiencies can lead to issues with reading or working on a computer.” Students who appear to be having problems with distraction may simply be avoiding the discomfort that comes as a result of what is happening with their vision. Also, since there are conditions where early identification leads to a better prognosis for treatment, optometrists can help prevent small issues from going untreated throughout the year and becoming more difficult to address.
A full physical has many of the same benefits for a child entering the new school year, ensuring that they are well-positioned for optimum success from the perspective of their health. “It’s so important for children to get their annual physical exams,” says PA Yenkosky, who is the Clinic Director of Ketchum Health Medical Clinic. “We want to help parents make sure their kids are healthy, so that they can perform well in school. We can encourage healthy habits, like diet and exercise, which help their mind, body, and energy levels. All of these work together to make a well-rounded child.”
Sports physicals also promote wellness in a more specialized, focused way, as they are designed to confirm that the child is neurologically and physically fit to play sports. “Because sports can be strenuous,” explains PA Yenkosky, “we are checking the muscular system, the neurological system, the cardiovascular system – anything that can make it clear that the child is healthy enough to be able to perform physical activities.” And just as with eye exams, a physical can alert the practitioner to issues before they become larger problems. Certain conditions in childhood, particularly concerning the heart, do not make themselves apparent until they are seriously tested by demanding physical activity. If given the opportunity, sometimes children, in their enthusiasm, wish to continue playing no matter what, so a physical also serves the vital purpose of identifying any injuries that have not fully recovered.
Eye examinations, annual physicals, and sports physicals benefit the parents and guardians themselves. “It brings parents peace of mind,” says PA Prana Yenkosky. “ Their children are going to be healthy and safe.
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“At the most basic level, if you cannot see, you cannot learn. This is why a comprehensive examination sets a child up for success, making them vision-ready so that their vision is not a barrier to their learning,” says Dr. Kristine Huang.