Does My Child Need an Eye Exam Before Starting School?

As the school year approaches, parents are busy gathering school supplies, updating wardrobes, and setting new routines. But there’s one essential item that often gets overlooked: a comprehensive eye exam. Clear vision is a vital part of academic success, and ensuring your child’s eyes are healthy before school starts can make a significant difference in their ability to learn and thrive in the classroom.
 

The Link Between Vision and Learning

Vision plays a crucial role in how children learn. Experts estimate that up to 80% of learning in a classroom is visual. From reading the whiteboard to focusing on a book or computer screen, a child’s eyes are constantly at work. When vision problems go undetected, they can lead to struggles with reading, concentration, and even behavioral issues. Children often don’t realize they’re experiencing vision difficulties. That’s why routine eye exams are so important for identifying issues early.
 

Common Eye Conditions in Children

The most common vision problems in children are refractive errors, which include:

• Myopia (nearsightedness) - difficulty seeing objects at a distance

• Hyperopia (farsightedness) - difficulty seeing objects up close

• Astigmatism - blurry or distorted vision due to an irregularly shaped cornea
   

If left uncorrected, these issues can significantly impact a child’s ability to learn and participate in school activities. Some children may also experience binocular vision problems, where the eyes don’t work well together, leading to headaches or double vision during reading or close work.
 

The Importance of Back-to-School Eye Exams

Scheduling a pediatric eye exam before school begins helps ensure your child starts the year off with the tools they need to succeed. Early detection of vision issues allows for timely treatment, which might include corrective lenses, or referrals to a specialist if necessary.
 

In many cases, vision screenings performed at schools or by pediatricians are not comprehensive enough to catch all issues. A full exam by an optometrist includes a detailed assessment of visual acuity, eye coordination, depth perception, and eye health.
 

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam in Cranston Today

A back-to-school eye exam is more than a routine check - it’s an investment in your child’s future. By catching vision problems early, you can help prevent learning delays, boost confidence, and support long-term academic achievement. Our friendly team provides thorough pediatric eye exams in a welcoming environment, ensuring your child is comfortable and cared for every step of the way.
 

Contact Garden City Eye to schedule a back-to-school eye exam and set your child up for a year of clear vision and confident learning. Visit our office in Cranston, Rhode Island, or call (401) 943-8151 to book an appointment today.