As children gear up to go back to school this month, the optical industry is promoting the importance of going for an annual eye exam by observing August as National Eye Exam Month. As VMail previously reported, National Vision Holding Inc. is among a number of companies in the optical industry that are joining the recognition of August as National Eye Exam Month, Children’s Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month, and Children’s Vision and Learning Month. Reade Fahs, chief executive officer of National Vision Holdings Inc. said that as kids and teens get ready to head back to school, “ensuring their vision is in top shape can help them not only see the blackboard more clearly, but we know that it can also have a positive impact on self-esteem, behavior and social interactions.”

Eyemart Express and a number of other optical retailers and ECPs are also showing their support for National Eye Exam Month and providing consumers information on why “Eye Exam Month” is so important, noting that comprehensive eye exams can reveal health issues and resolve children’s learning issues. Dr. Tom Patera, Eyemart Express’ senior executive vice president of professional affairs, said in a separate announcement that he believes “vision health should be part of the healthy lifestyle conversation because the eyes are linked to so many parts of the body.”

According to the Rand Eye Institute, patients should also have a baseline eye exam at age 40, the time when the early signs of disease or changes in vision may occur. Baseline screenings can help identify signs of eye disease at an early stage, when treatment can have the greatest impact on preserving vision.

The Rand Eye Institute also recommends those who are 65 or older, to have their eyes checked every year or two for signs of age-related diseases, like glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Check out this small compilation of some of the different ways the industry is observing National Eye Exam Month on social media.