Vision care important
Congratulations to Dr. Schwartz for bringing our attention to the
importance of children's vision testing in his recent message to The
Journal on June 8. As a retired pediatric optometrist, I would like
to point out the following pertinent facts:
Both pediatricians and optometrists in today's
world are trained to screen children's vision and when medically
necessary, to refer children who would benefit from surgery or other
necessary ophthalmologic care.
In Tompkins County there are significant
numbers of residents who are without medical insurance, especially in the
age group that have very young children. With that thought in mind I would
like to suggest that Dr. Schwartz and his pediatric, optometric and
ophthalmologic colleagues offer a free or low cost vision screenings for
preschool children at the mall, medical center or other suitable site.
This is common practice, particularly in Florida and other progressive
parts of our nation and would provide the important benefits that Dr.
Schwartz discusses in his article.
For those readers of The Journal who like to delve further into this issue
the following Web site of the of the American Academy of Pediatrics is of
particular interest;
http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/article.htm.
Elmer H. Eger
Ithaca
Originally published June 26, 2006 in The Ithaca Journal
Children need eye care
I would like to thank Dr. Eger for his positive comments regarding my
recent article (June 8) on pediatric eye care. Furthermore, his suggestion
that low-income children be given vision screening exams is a good one.
Indeed, I held such a screening exam on May 20 at Center Ithaca. But, one
ophthalmologist can't screen everyone. Fortunately, our excellent
pediatricians and school nurses check the vision on every child they see.
Through direct relationships with these providers as well as other local
physicians and optometrists, I invite their referrals.
Head Start is a federally funded program for low-income families whose
goal it is to train children for the rigors of school before kindergarten
begins. All participants receive vision screening. The woman responsible
for this service spent time at my office learning the finer points of
screening 3 and 4 year olds. She has been invited to refer children to me.
Low income residents of our community are eligible for Medicaid, which my
office accepts. Although Medicaid pays very little, we are committed
to helping these children.
I had a successful practice in Manhattan for 10 years before relocating to
Ithaca. While there, I went to the South Bronx weekly to provide eye care
to underprivileged children. I agree that providing eye care to all
children, especially the underserved, is a priority. I hope I can continue
this goal while still building a successful practice here in Ithaca.
Peter S. Schwartz, MD
Ithaca, NY
Originally published July 25, 2006 in The Ithaca Journal
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