Learning and vision have long been linked

I was somewhat startled when I read this headline, “Hopkins study links student vision, learning” (May 26). I thank reporter Erica Green and Dr. Megan Collins for calling to the public’s attention the link between student vision and academic performance. However, to call this “a first-of-its-kind study that attempts to link vision deficiencies and literacy in a school based population” could not have been further from the truth.

For well over 60 years, the profession of optometry has performed many studies on this particular subject and has declared time and time again that poor vision is one of the leading causes of learning disabilities resulting in poor achievement throughout a child’s K-12 education. When I was in optometry school more than 65 years ago, I was exposed to the papers of the Optometric Extension Program and was taught at that time about the major role that vision plays in a child’s ability to learn.

As a consultant to the director of the Indian Health Service from 1969 to 1985, I had the opportunity in 1974 to testify before the U.S. House of Representative’s Interior Affairs Committee on the urgent need for funds to alleviate the unmet visual needs of Indian children and adults. Also, as optometric consultant to the Prince George’s County Public Schools from 1978 to 1980, I stressed what a vital role good vision played in the child’s ability to learn.

I do want to compliment Dr. Collins on her decision to carry out this study on behalf of this needy population, but she could possibly save many, many hours along with valuable dollars, if she were to avail herself of the plethora of optometric literature on the subject.

Lester Caplan, Pikesville