Back-to-School Eye Exams: Why School Vision Screenings Aren’t Enough

Aug 1, 2024

young girl at school smiling

As summer ends and the back-to-school season approaches, parents are busy preparing their children for the new school year. While shopping for school supplies and new clothes is important, one crucial task that often gets overlooked is scheduling a comprehensive eye exam. School vision screenings are common, but they aren’t a substitute for a thorough pediatric eye exam. Learn more about comprehensive eye exams and how they help ensure your child is ready for the school year ahead. 

The limitations of school vision screenings  

School vision screenings are a convenient way to identify children who might need further evaluation. However, these screenings are limited in scope and may not detect all vision problems. School screenings usually focus on distance vision and skip other important areas like close-up vision and how well the eyes work together. They might also miss subtle vision problems like astigmatism, color blindness, or issues with focusing and tracking. Additionally, the thoroughness of school screenings can vary depending on who’s doing the testing and what tools they’re using. 

Why a comprehensive eye exam is a must 

A comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist goes much deeper than a school vision screening. Many kids don’t realize their vision is off because they adapt to what they see. This means problems can go unnoticed without a detailed exam. An optometrist will perform various tests to evaluate your child’s overall eye health, including both distance and near vision, eye teaming and tracking, focusing ability, and more. These exams can catch early signs of eye conditions that might affect your child’s vision and overall health. Early detection is key to preventing long-term problems. 

As you prep for the school year, don’t forget to add an eye exam to your list. Good vision is crucial for learning. Kids with undiagnosed vision problems might struggle with reading, writing, and other important school activities.  

At Pleasant Optics in Mt. Pleasant, St. Louis Optics in St. Louis, Carson City Optics in Carson City, and Alma Optics and State Street Optics in Alma, Michigan, we specialize in pediatric eye care. Our experienced optometrists use the latest equipment to provide comprehensive eye exams that cover much more than basic screenings. 

Don’t let undiagnosed vision issues hold your child back this school year. Schedule an eye exam today to ensure your child is ready to succeed. 

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