The American Optometric Association is publishing a report called "3D in the Classroom" that describes the benefits of 3D learning environments. The report explains that children often learn faster and retain more information in 3D, and that perceiving 3D requires precise vision skills. However, as many as 1 in 4 students may have undiagnosed vision issues preventing them from fully engaging with 3D. The emergence of 3D technologies provides an opportunity to screen for vision problems earlier through tests of stereopsis. The report aims to help teachers identify vision issues and advance both learning and eye health.

1. 3D in the Classroom: See Well, Learn Well
American Optometric Association See Well, Learn Well: American Optometric Association
Announces Upcoming Availability of
“3D in the Classroom – An AOA Report”
(June 29, 2011) 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 refrac-
tive 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 1 in 4
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 en-
vironment; 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 sensi-
tive 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 3 „D‟s of 3D – discomfort, dizziness and lack of depth percep-
tion – 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 par-
ticularly 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.
References are included for further exploration of this fascinating and important topic.
Visit Us at : www.3DEyeHealth.org
Contact Information:
“It helped to see a 3D view "These 3D videos help me “ 3D viewing difficulties led
of things. It was easier for learn easier, because I'm a to a comprehensive eye
Michael Duenas, OD
me to picture and under- visual learner....in 3D—it’s
3D— exam and the uncovering of
Associate Director stand the structure.” literally in front of you." an important congenital eye
Health Sciences and Policy muscle disorder that can
Washington, D.C. Offices now be treated 5 years be-
MRDuenas@aoa.org fore it would normally be
diagnosed.”
800-365-2219, ext. 1008
8th Grade Student, K-5 Student Report,
5th Grade Student,
Michigan Florida
Colorado