For many, the back to school season feels like a second new year. Change is in the air and we feel a renewed motivation to set and achieve our goals. It serves as a trigger to re-focus and re-frame our intentions for the remainder of the year.

While this year’s back to school milestone is much different than in years past, one things remains the same – scheduling annual eye exams for your school-aged children. The hustle and bustle of this time of year can cause many to overlook these critical appointments, yet if we truly want our students to be successful academically, protecting their vision must be a top priority.

Whether your child will be in the classroom or at home doing their school work, annual eye exams can help detect changes in vision that may require correction. As a parent or caregiver, you can be on the lookout for some telling signs that glasses or contact lenses may be needed. Here are a few examples:

1.     Is your child sitting closer to computer screens or whiteboards?

2.     Do they continually lose their place while reading?

3.     Are they covering one eye to improve vision?

4.     Do they complain about headaches or are they rubbing their eyes?

Any or all of these signs are an indication that your child’s eyesight has changed. Comprehensive eye exams can determine if your child has myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) or astigmatism. Each of these is easily corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses. 

Additionally, if your child will be participating in sports, your eye care practitioner can determine if he or she has the visual skills required, such as strong peripheral vision, ease of focusing from far way to close up, as well as good hand-eye coordination.

Back to school is an exciting time for both parents and children. Get them started on the right foot by scheduling their annual eye exam with a licensed eye care practitioner today.

Originally published on September 11, 2020  by Kristine Heslin on LinkedIn