Back-to-School Checklist: Don’t Forget the Eye Exam
As summer winds down and families in Santa Monica get ready for the school year, most parents focus on school supplies, backpacks, and new clothes. But there’s one critical step that often gets left off the back-to-school checklist: scheduling a comprehensive pediatric eye exam.
As a Santa Monica optometrist, I often remind parents that vision is the foundation of learning. Research shows that up to 80% of classroom learning is visual. If your child is struggling to see clearly, they may also struggle with reading, writing, sports, and even social development — all without realizing their eyes are the reason.
Why an Eye Exam Matters More Than You Think
Many parents assume that if their child “passed” a school vision screening or the quick check at the pediatrician’s office, their vision is fine. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.
School screenings are limited. They usually only measure distance vision (reading an eye chart across the room). They don’t evaluate important skills like eye teaming, focusing, depth perception, or eye health.
Children rarely complain. Kids often don’t realize they’re not seeing well because they assume everyone sees the way they do.
Early detection is key. Conditions such as lazy eye (amblyopia) and eye turns (strabismus) respond best when treated early. By the time children reach their teenage years, some treatment windows may have closed.
A comprehensive eye exam with a local children’s eye doctor checks not only clarity of vision but also the health of the eyes, how they work together, and whether your child is visually ready for the classroom.
Signs Your Child May Be Struggling with Vision
Parents should watch for these warning signs:
Squinting, covering one eye, or tilting the head to see better
Complaints of headaches or tired eyes after reading
Difficulty keeping place while reading or skipping lines
Avoiding books or struggling with comprehension
Holding books, tablets, or phones very close
Frequent eye rubbing or blinking
Trouble catching a ball or participating in sports
Even if your child isn’t showing symptoms, annual exams are still important — many vision problems go unnoticed until they begin to interfere with school performance.
The Connection Between Vision and Learning
Poor vision can mimic learning difficulties. For example, a child with an uncorrected vision problem may appear inattentive, distracted, or even misdiagnosed with a learning disorder. In reality, they might just be unable to see clearly or focus for extended periods.
Teachers may notice a child losing interest, acting restless, or avoiding close work — but without a pediatric eye exam, the root cause often goes undetected. By ensuring your child’s vision is clear, you give them the tools they need to focus, learn, and thrive.
Back-to-School Vision Checklist
As you prepare for the upcoming year, add eye health to your child’s checklist:
Schedule a pediatric eye exam (every year, ideally before school starts).
Update glasses prescriptions to ensure your child can see the board, books, and screens clearly.
Protect against digital strain. With increased screen time for schoolwork and homework, consider lenses with blue light protection and teach the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Encourage outdoor play. Natural light supports healthy eye development and may help reduce the risk of nearsightedness (myopia).
Model good habits. Remind kids to take breaks from screens, maintain healthy posture, and get enough sleep to reduce eye strain.
Give Your Child the Gift of Clear Vision
Starting the school year with clear, comfortable vision can boost your child’s confidence both inside and outside the classroom. A back-to-school eye exam is one of the easiest ways to set them up for success.
At OptiHealth Optometry in Santa Monica, we provide comprehensive children’s vision exams in a friendly, supportive environment. Whether it’s your child’s very first exam or a yearly check-in, we’re here to help them see and perform at their best.
Ready to Book?
Make this school year the best yet — schedule your child’s back-to-school eye exam today. Call us at (310) 917-4474or book online.
OptiHealth Optometry | Santa Monica’s trusted optometrist for children’s vision care.
