As summer draws to a close and the excitement of a new school year approaches, parents are busy shopping for supplies and preparing their children for success. While backpacks and notebooks are important, one critical item often gets overlooked - a comprehensive eye exam. Good vision is essential for learning, and ensuring your child’s eyes are healthy before school starts can set them up for a successful year.
Why a Back-to-School Eye Exam Matters
Vision plays a vital role in the classroom. In fact, experts estimate that up to 80% of learning is visual. Even a small vision problem can impact reading, writing, and concentration. Many vision issues, such as nearsightedness (myopia), don’t always come with obvious symptoms, so children may not realize they’re struggling to see the board or read their books. That’s why a yearly comprehensive eye exam is crucial - even for children who haven’t complained of vision problems. Before sending your child back to school, use this checklist to make sure their vision is ready for the year ahead.
Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam
An annual pediatric eye exam with an optometrist goes beyond a simple vision screening. It checks for refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, and evaluates overall eye health.
Watch for symptoms such as squinting, frequent headaches, covering one eye, or trouble focusing on homework. If you notice any of these, schedule an eye exam right away.
Discuss Myopia Management
Myopia (nearsightedness) is becoming more common in children. Early intervention can slow its progression and protect your child’s long-term vision. Ask your optometrist about myopia management options such as special contact lenses, atropine eye drops, or orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses.
Consider Vision Therapy
If your child struggles with reading, loses their place, or has trouble concentrating, vision therapy may help. Vision therapy is a series of personalized exercises that train the eyes and brain to work together more effectively. It can be especially beneficial for children with visual processing issues or problems with eye coordination.
Update Eyewear and Prescriptions
If your child wears glasses or contact lenses, ensure their prescription is up to date. Well-fitting, comfortable eyewear is crucial for classroom success and self-confidence. If your child plays sports, talk to your optometrist about protective eyewear. Sports goggles or shatter-resistant lenses can help prevent eye injuries on the field or court.
Schedule Your Child’s Back-to-School Eye Exam at Specialty Eye Today
Clear vision is the foundation for learning, social development, and self-esteem. By checking off each item on this healthy vision checklist, you’re helping your child start the school year with confidence and focus. Proactive eye care is the best way to safeguard your child’s vision and academic success.
Schedule a back-to-school eye exam at Specialty Eye to discuss myopia management, or explore vision therapy options. Contact our offices in Kirkland or Bellevue, Washington, visit our website, call (425) 821-8900, (425) 800-5240, or (425) 454-2028 to book an appointment today.
