DULUTH, Ga.—National Vision Holding Inc. (NASDAQ: EYE), one of the nation’s largest optical retailers, is among a number of companies in the optical industry that are joining the recognition of August as National Eye Exam Month, Children’s Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month, and Children’s Vision and Learning Month. Eyemart Express and a number of other optical retailers and ECPs also are showing their support for National Eye Exam Month and providing consumers information on why “Eye Exam Month” is so important, noting that comprehensive eye exams can reveal health issues and resolve children’s learning issues, according to Eyemart Express’ announcement.

Reade Fahs, chief executive officer of National Vision Holdings Inc., said he believes annual eye exams are “important for everyone, but especially kids and teens.” He added, “Beyond providing a prescription for eyeglasses and contact lenses, an eye exam can detect hundreds of potential health concerns, ranging from eye diseases to life threatening conditions such as brain tumors and aneurysms.”

In the National Vision announcement, Fahs said that as kids and teens get ready to head back to school, “ensuring their vision is in top shape can help them not only see the blackboard more clearly, but we know that it can also have a positive impact on self-esteem, behavior and social interactions.”

Dr. Tom Patera, Eyemart Express’ senior executive vice president of professional affairs, said in a separate announcement that he believes “vision health should be part of the healthy lifestyle conversation because the eyes are linked to so many parts of the body.” He added, “Comprehensive eye exams only take a few minutes but can be telling about overall health by indicating diabetes, high cholesterol, or even cancer.”

Those who already wear contacts should get annual eye exams to keep prescriptions current and check for eye diseases, Patera said. People who wear glasses or with perfect 20/20 vision should schedule comprehensive eye exams every two years.

According to the 2016 Vision Council Visionwatch Parent Child Vision Care Report, approximately 50 percent of children have not had an eye exam in the past two years.

National Vision’s largest retail brand – America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses – has had a partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America where Club kids can get free vision screenings, comprehensive eye exams and, if needed, glasses. Since its inception, more than 11,000 kids and teens have been screened across the nation.