In collaboration with educators, vision researchers and specialist advisors from across the 3D industry, the American Optometric Association (AOA) is publishing a comprehensive report for teachers, students and parents that describes and explains the optimal uses of 3D in the classroom, including how 3D approaches to learning serve as a fulcrum for enhanced teaching and improved assurance of school readiness.

This “first of its kind” report will explain how new 3D opportunities are underscored by two essential facts, 1) children often learn faster and retain more information in the 3D environment, and 2) the ability to perceive 3D and learn in 3D requires precise elements of “vision fitness.” Importantly, 3D vision fitness skills associated with eye alignment, eye tracking, and balanced and corrected refractive errors are also associated with improved overall reading and learning abilities.

The AOA represents doctors of optometry, America’s Family Eye Doctors, on the frontline of eye and vision health working diligently to assure the very best vision and eye health across the nation and within every sector of society — particularly among the nation’s children.

Good vision health is important for everyone, of course, and these exciting and bold opportunities in the 3D learning experience are nothing less than “a game changer,” however, as many as one in four U.S. students may be unable to partake in 3D learning activities due to under-performance of various aspects of the vision system that have gone undetected and untreated. For a growing child, vision and eye health plays a vital role in enabling them to make the most of their innate abilities as they learn to read and write; as they learn to participate comfortably and confidently in the classroom environment; and as they learn to become a fully functioning member of society.

The recent emergence of innovative 3D presentation technologies and 3D content in movie theaters, in the home, in video games and now in the classroom, perhaps surprisingly, provides a unique public health opportunity. The ability to perceive depth in a 3D presentation — known as “stereopsis” — turns out to be a highly sensitive test of a range of vision health indicators. It is much more sensitive than the standard eye chart that has been in use for 150 years, because it requires that both eyes function in a coordinated manner, as they converge, focus and track the 3D image.

If an individual experiences any of the 3D’s of 3D — discomfort, dizziness and lack of depth perception — these signals can serve as an early indicator of some measure of vision impairment. The good news is that, once identified, these conditions generally respond well to treatment. This is particularly true while the vision system is developing during childhood. The report contains practical notes for teachers on the viewing of 3D in the classroom and detailed information on how best to use their observations to advance both learning and vision and eye health.

If you’re interested in reading the entire report, go here: http://www.3deyehealth.org/