Fall Is in Full Swing at On Track Pediatric Therapy
Fall brings fresh routines, community events, and opportunities to keep growing together. We’ve enjoyed connecting with families throughout the season and are excited to share a few updates from On Track Pediatric Therapy.
Out and About in Our Community
We had a wonderful time at Eureka Days, and we’re proud to once again sponsor Geggie Elementary PTO. We also had so much fun joining the school community for Trunk or Treat!
On October 17, you can find us at Creve Coeur Park’s Tremayne Shelter for the 2nd Annual Myopia MILEr Community Walk. Come enjoy a morning of movement, community, and fun.
Event schedule
- 8:30 AM: Registration and check-in
- 9:00 AM: 6K Myopia Run/Fun Ride starts
- 9:30 AM: 1-mile Myopia MILEr Community Walk starts
The event is free, and registration is required. Food, music, games, and prizes will be available. All run and walk participants receive an event T-shirt. Goodie bags and awards will also be available, with prizes for the largest team, youngest walker, oldest walker, and best dog outfit. Dogs are welcome!
You can still register here: Myopia MILEr Community Walk
Understanding Myopia and Its Effects on Everyday Activities
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a vision condition that makes faraway objects look blurry while nearby objects are usually easier to see. It occurs when the eye focuses light in front of the retina rather than directly on it. An eye care professional can diagnose myopia and recommend treatment, such as glasses, contact lenses, or other myopia management options.
Myopia has become more common around the world. A 2016 study estimated that nearly 50% of the world’s population could have myopia by 2050 if the trends studied continue. That is a projection, not a certainty, but it reflects why children’s vision and regular eye care matter. Holden et al., Ophthalmology
What may affect a child’s chances of developing myopia?
Genetics and everyday environments may both contribute. The risk is higher when a child has a parent with myopia. One estimate puts the chance at about:
- 1 in 2 when both parents are myopic
- 1 in 3 when one parent is myopic
- 1 in 4 when neither parent is myopic
These figures describe estimated risk—not a prediction for any individual child. CooperVision
Researchers have also studied lifestyle factors that may be associated with myopia, including:
- Spending limited time outdoors
- Long periods of close-up activities, such as reading or using phones, tablets, and other devices
- Poor lighting during near work
Children are also developing myopia at younger ages. When myopia begins earlier, it may have more time to progress during childhood. A child’s optometrist or ophthalmologist can monitor vision and discuss appropriate options for eye care and myopia management.
Why does myopia matter?
Blurry distance vision can affect a child’s comfort and participation in daily life. A child may have difficulty seeing a classroom board, following demonstrations, recognizing people or objects at a distance, or joining activities that rely on clear distance vision. If myopia progresses to a higher level, the shape and length of the eye can increase the risk of certain eye health complications later in life. Ongoing care with an eye care professional is important.
How can occupational therapy help?
Occupational therapy does not correct myopia, change the shape of the eye, prescribe glasses, or replace care from an optometrist or ophthalmologist. An OT can help address the ways vision challenges may affect a child’s daily activities and participation.
Depending on a child’s needs, an OT may:
- Help identify tasks or environments that are difficult for the child and discuss those concerns with the family and care team.
- Support visual-perceptual and other foundational skills used during schoolwork, play, self-care, and everyday routines.
- Help families and teachers consider practical changes to the environment, such as positioning materials where they are easier to see and reducing visual clutter.
- Help a child develop strategies for participating in activities that involve looking between near and far objects or working with visual information.
If you notice your child squinting, moving closer to see distant objects, or having difficulty with classroom or play activities, consider scheduling an eye exam. An eye care professional can assess vision; if visual challenges are affecting everyday participation, occupational therapy may be one part of a coordinated support plan.
ADHD Assessments Now Available
We’re beginning to offer ADHD assessments for children ages 6–18. We’ll share more information about the assessment process soon. If you’re interested in getting started, call our office and our team will help you with next steps.
Supporting Children and Families
On Track Pediatric Therapy offers collaborative, individualized care across multiple disciplines:
- Speech Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Pediatric Counseling
- Adult Counseling
Our team is grateful to support children and families in the clinic, at home, and throughout the community.
Ready to Get Started?
Call us to ask about services, ADHD assessments, and current availability.
Pediatric Office
54 Legends Parkway, Suite 157
Eureka, MO 63025
Phone: 636-252-4464
Fax: 636-442-1455
Email: kids@ontrackpediatrictherapy.com
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
With appreciation,
The On Track Pediatric Therapy Team