20/20

A message from the American Optometric Association (to consider before concocting deep, catchy, self-righteous slogans, mantras, or themes for church, mantras, resolutions, etc.)

“20/20 vision is a term used to express NORMAL (not extraordinary) visual acuity. If you have 20/20 vision, you can see clearly at 20 feet what should NORMALLY be seen at that distance. (So don’t flatter yourself.) If you have 20/100 vision, it means that you must be as close as 20 feet to see what a person with normal vision can see at 100 feet. ( Humbling, isn’t it?)

Having 20/20 vision does NOT necessarily mean you have PERFECT vision. (Should you be leading anyone or anything?) 20/20 vision only indicates the sharpness or clarity of vision at a distance. OTHER important vision skills, including peripheral awareness, eye coordination, depth perception, focusing ability, and color vision, contribute to your OVERALL visual ability.

Some people can see well at a distance, but are unable to bring nearer objects into focus. (Never mind next year. What do you need to see NOW?) Others can see items that are close, but cannot see those far away. (If, by grace, tomorrow comes, are you prepared?)