Vision screenings conducted in schools typically focus on visual acuity measures, using the Snellen chart (see above picture) to determine whether a child has satisfactory eyesight for the classroom (Zaba, 2011). Such screenings prioritize distance vision, when in fact the majority of schoolwork involves near vision. 20/20 vision does not mean that we have perfect vision, it simply means that we can see clearly at that distance. While some people may be able to see well at a certain distance, they may struggle to focus on nearer objects. This condition is called hyperopia (farsightedness). People who are able to see clearly close up but struggle to bring objects at a distance into clear focus are experiencing myopia (nearsightedness) (American Optometric Association, 2022).
It is important to note that people can experience focusing problems even without being nearsighted or farsighted. Measuring accommodation is also important because it is a critical skill that is required to establish and sustain target clarity at all distances. Symptoms of a possible accommodation problem include: short attention span, reduced reading comprehension, task avoidance, excessive time completing assignments, daydreaming, fatigue, headaches, and blurred print (College of Optometrists in Vision Development, 2017).