As students prepare for the new school year, parents often focus on school supplies, new clothes, and class schedules. However, there’s one critical item that should be at the top of every to-do list: a back-to-school eye exam.
If you’re looking for a pediatric eye doctor near you, Advanced Vision Care and Cedar Hill Eye Care offer comprehensive care in a friendly, welcoming environment. Vision plays a crucial role in learning and development, and ensuring your child can see clearly is one of the best ways to support their academic success. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or heading into high school, a pediatric eye exam can detect vision issues that may go unnoticed.
Why back-to-school eye exams matter
Did you know that up to 80% of learning is visual? From reading the whiteboard to using digital devices and playing sports, children rely heavily on their eyesight. Unfortunately, many vision problems in kids are subtle and don’t always have obvious symptoms.
Many parents are surprised to learn that one in four children has a vision problem that needs treatment. If these issues go undetected, they can impact learning and development, cause frustration, and even affect classroom behavior.
Only a qualified eye doctor can address these vision problems and ensure your child has the visual skills they need to succeed.
School vision screenings vs. pediatric eye exams: What’s the difference?
Many schools offer basic vision screenings, but these quick tests are not substitutes for comprehensive eye exams performed by an optometrist. Here’s how they compare:
School vision screening
- A quick, limited check
- May only test distance vision
- Often misses eye coordination problems
- Performed by a school nurse or volunteer
Comprehensive pediatric eye exam
- An in-depth evaluation of eye health and vision
- Assesses near vision, eye teaming, tracking, and more
- Detects a wide range of issues, including lazy eye, eye strain, and more
- Conducted by a licensed eye care professional
To ensure your child’s eyes are fully evaluated, schedule a back-to-school eye exam with a trusted optometrist.
Warning signs your child may be struggling with their vision
Even if your child doesn’t mention any vision issues, they could still be experiencing problems that affect their learning and development. Children often adapt to poor vision without realizing something is wrong.
Keep an eye out for these common signs of vision problems in children:
- Squinting or tilting the head to see better
- Complaints of headaches, tired eyes, or double vision
- Sitting too close to screens or holding books very close
- Avoiding reading or other close-up activities
- Frequent blinking or eye rubbing
- Trouble focusing or paying attention in class
- Falling behind academically
- An eye turning in or out
- Losing their place when reading
If your child exhibits any of these behaviors, it’s important to schedule an eye exam.
How often should kids get their eyes checked?
According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), children should see an eye doctor on a regular basis starting in infancy:
- Infants (6–12 months): Your child’s first eye exam helps catch early signs of issues like lazy eye or eye alignment problems when they’re easiest to treat.
- Preschoolers (3–5 years): An eye exam during these years makes sure your child’s vision is developing properly and they’re ready to start learning.
- School-aged children (6–17 years): An eye exam before first grade ensures they have the visual skills they need for reading, learning, and doing their best in school.
Once they are in school, children should see an eye doctor annually if they wear glasses or contact lenses. If no vision correction is needed, children can typically get eye exams every two years. Children with risk factors, such as a family history of eye problems, premature birth, or developmental delays, may need more frequent exams.
Why choose Advanced Vision Care or Cedar Hill Eye Care for your child?
At Advanced Vision Care in Mansfield, Fort Worth, and DeSoto and Cedar Hill Eye Care in Cedar Hill, we’re passionate about protecting the vision of children in our communities. Here’s why families choose us as their eye care provider:
Personalized pediatric eye care
We don’t just do quick checkups. We take time to understand your child’s unique vision needs and provide a comfortable, kid-friendly environment.
Wide selection of eyewear
We carry a wide selection of children’s eyewear to fit various vision needs and style preferences.
Comprehensive eye exams
Our pediatric eye exams go far beyond basic screenings, evaluating eye health, vision clarity, eye teaming, focusing ability, and more.
Convenient locations near you
We’re proud to serve families across North Texas with four convenient locations:
- Cedar Hill Eye Care – Near Cedar Hill ISD
- Advanced Vision Care – Fort Worth – Near Fort Worth ISD
- Advanced Vision Care – Mansfield – Near Mansfield ISD
- Advanced Vision Care – DeSoto – Near DeSoto ISD
After-school appointments available
We offer flexible appointment times, including after-school hours, to make it easy for your child to get the care they need without missing class.
Schedule your child’s back-to-school eye exam before school starts
Don’t wait until vision problems start affecting your child’s schoolwork. A back-to-school eye exam can catch issues early and set them up for a successful year.
Appointments fill up fast during the back-to-school season. Make sure to schedule your child’s exam today to avoid the rush!
Give us a call or use our online scheduler to book an exam at one of our convenient eye care centers near you.