Lee Ware, Virginia Delegate
“Having spent three decades teaching History and Government to young people, naturally the wellbeing of our children in school is of immense importance to me. How well children can read can determine the quality of their learning, and poor vision is by definition an impediment to reading. Consequently, I admire—and support—Conexus in its mission to expand vision-testing for school pupils.”

When 5-year-old Preston went to school one day, there was a lady there to check his eyes. It was important, his teacher told him, because he needed to be able to see well to read and learn.

Preston was a little nervous, but the lady showed him the box that she would be using to screen his vision. It looked a little bit like the pad he used to play games and watch cartoons. All he had to do was stand still for a few seconds while she looked at him through that box. It was over before he knew it!

This quick and easy screening, called VisioCheck and conducted by Conexus, determined that Preston had astigmatism. Astigmatism can cause blurred vision, which can impact reading and many other activities.

Read the full article: ​http://bit.ly/2DSBJHV

As Conexus continues its growth, reaching tens of thousands of children each year through mass screenings, the organization is convening a panel of experts to formally review and approve Conexus programs as best practice.  To provide a broad , well rounded perspective of the program, the panel includes representation from the both the medical and education community and consists of two pediatric ophthalmologists, two optometrists, a representative from public health, a representative from public education, and a representative from early childhood education.  The committee will be staffed by Conexus.

Panel Members:

• Dr. Edwin Wortham, M.D., Pediatric Ophthalmologist, Conexus Board member
• Dr. Evan Silverstein, M.D., Pediatric Ophthalmologist, VCU
• Dr. Charles “Bo” Pegram, Jr., OD, Conexus Board Chairman
• The Honorable Roxann Robinson, OD, member VA House of Delegates
• Dr. Margaret Meara, EdD., former Superintendent Powhatan County Schools, Conexus Board member
• Ms. Teresa Isom Teresa Isom, RN, BSN, Public Health Nurse Supervisor, Chesterfield County
• Ms. Katie Sloan, Coalition Coordinator – Smart Beginnings Hopewell-Prince George
• Tim Gresham, President and CEO, Conexus
• Melissa Perry, Community Programs and Public Health Director, Conexus

The panel will gather for it’s first program assessment in January.

Halloween has been a longtime favorite tradition for kids of all ages.  A few important safety tips to remember when selecting that perfect costume:

Many costumes come with “props” – some of these props (wands, swords, canes, sticks, etc…) can have sharp or pointed ends.  Moving around (especially in the dark) with some of these props can create a hazard for your eyes.   Please give strong consideration as to age appropriate props for costumes and think ahead about some of potential tripping hazards of moving in groups in the dark.

You should also make sure that costumes fit well; costumes that are too long or otherwise present tripping hazards should be avoided.  Be sure that your walkway is clear of debris and decorations that could trip trick-or-treaters as well.

Also worth mentioning are Cosmetic contact lenses, false eyelashes, and make up.  Contact lenses should never be worn without a prescription.  Contact lenses, when fitted or worn improperly, can cause serious eye conditions.  Use extra caution, especially in younger children who may be more prone to rubbing their eyes, when applying heavy makeup and lashes to the eyes.

Read this article from Eyecare.org about these and other "Halloween Hazards."

Happy Halloween!