As parents prepare for a new school year, most checklists include backpacks, school supplies, new clothes, and sports physicals. But there is one important item that is often overlooked: a comprehensive eye exam.
At Lake Norman Eye Care in Mooresville, NC, Dr. Mason Williams, OD, and Dr. Angela Harris, OD, believe that healthy vision is one of the most important tools for academic success. In fact, experts estimate that up to 80% of classroom learning is visual. If your child cannot see clearly, it can affect reading, learning, concentration, and confidence in school.
Use this Back-to-School Eye Exam Checklist to help ensure your child starts the school year with their best vision possible.
Why Back-to-School Eye Exams Matter
Many parents assume that if their child passes a school vision screening, their eyes are healthy. While school vision screenings can identify some vision issues, the American Optometric Association reports that screenings may miss up to 75% of children with vision problems, which is why comprehensive eye exams are recommended.
A comprehensive eye exam evaluates:
- Visual acuity (how clearly your child sees)
- Eye teaming and tracking skills
- Focusing ability
- Depth perception
- Eye health
- Color vision
- Binocular vision
- Signs of eye diseases or health conditions
Children often do not realize they are having vision problems because they assume everyone sees the way they do.
Back-to-School Eye Exam Checklist
✓ Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam
The first step is scheduling a complete eye examination before the school year begins. This allows enough time to address any vision concerns and order glasses if needed.
The American Optometric Association recommends annual eye exams for school-aged children to monitor vision development and eye health.
✓ Watch for Signs of Vision Problems
Your child may need an eye exam sooner if they experience:
- Frequent headaches
- Squinting
- Holding books very close
- Covering one eye while reading
- Difficulty concentrating
- Losing their place while reading
- Complaints of blurry vision
- Excessive eye rubbing
- Avoiding reading or homework
- Poor academic performance
These symptoms may indicate an underlying vision issue that can impact learning.
✓ Check Current Glasses or Contact Lens Prescriptions
If your child already wears glasses or contact lenses, make sure their prescription is up to date.
Children’s eyes can change quickly as they grow, and an outdated prescription may lead to:
- Blurred vision
- Eye strain
- Headaches
- Difficulty seeing the classroom board
- Reduced classroom performance
✓ Consider Digital Eye Strain
Today’s students spend more time on computers, tablets, and smartphones than ever before.
Excessive screen use can contribute to:
- Eye fatigue
- Dry eyes
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty focusing
Encourage your child to follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
During your child’s eye exam, our doctors can also discuss strategies for managing digital eye strain.
✓ Ensure Proper Sports Vision Protection
If your child participates in sports, eye safety should be part of your back-to-school preparation.
Protective sports eyewear can help reduce the risk of eye injuries during:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Football
- Lacrosse
- Field hockey
Prescription sports goggles are available for children who need vision correction while playing sports.
✓ Evaluate Reading and Learning Skills
Good vision involves more than seeing clearly.
Children also need efficient visual skills for:
- Reading comprehension
- Eye tracking
- Focusing
- Visual processing
- Classroom attention
Sometimes a child who struggles in school may actually have an undiagnosed vision problem affecting their ability to learn.
A comprehensive eye exam can help identify issues that may be impacting academic performance.
When Should Your Child Have an Eye Exam?
The ideal time for a back-to-school eye exam is during the summer or several weeks before classes begin. This gives families time to update prescriptions and obtain new eyewear before the first day of school.
However, it is never too late to schedule an eye exam if school has already started.
Back-to-School Eye Exams in Mooresville, NC
At Lake Norman Eye Care, we are committed to helping children achieve their best vision for success in the classroom and beyond.
Dr. Mason Williams, OD provides comprehensive eye exams for ages 5 and older that evaluate both vision and eye health. Our goal is to identify potential problems early and ensure every child has the visual tools needed to thrive academically.
If you’re preparing for the upcoming school year, now is the perfect time to schedule your child’s eye exam.
Schedule Your Child’s Back-to-School Eye Exam Today
Give your child the advantage of clear, comfortable vision this school year. Contact Lake Norman Eye Care in Mooresville, NC, to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and help set your student up for success!
