EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT OF 10‐YEAR‐OLD CHILDREN WITH TREATED AND UNTREATED VISUAL DEFECTS

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Abstract
Children with visual defects who took part in a 10 yr survey were compared with their peers on measures of intelligence, reading, mathematics and sporting ability. Results are consistent with earlier findings of increased intelligence among children with myopia and slightly reduced intelligence among children with ambylopia. Those with other visual defects had normal intelligence scores. Once intelligence had been taken into account, only children with mild hypermetropia were underachieving at reading. Those with severe myopia were reading better than expected. None of the children could be shown to be over- or under-achieving at maths, any variation being due to intelligence. The mothers of children with visual defects perceived them to be less able at sport. Comparison of the performances of children with minor visual defects who had not been prescribed spectacles did not suggest any disadvantage for those without spectacles, with the possible exception of children with mild hypermetropia. The majority of visual defects apparently do not affect children''s learning and current indications for prescribing spectacles need to be validated.

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