As kids head back to school, it’s easy to focus on supplies—pencils, backpacks, new shoes. But one critical item is often forgotten: a comprehensive eye exam.
While your child may pass a school vision screening, that doesn’t always mean their eyes are ready for the classroom. In fact, 1 in 4 school-age children has a vision problem that can interfere with learning—but many go undetected without a full eye exam .
Why School Screenings Aren’t Enough
School vision screenings are a helpful first step, but they’re limited in scope. According to the American Optometric Association, school screenings can:
- Miss up to 75% of children with vision issues
- Leave 61% of children who fail the screening without follow-up care
Why? Screenings typically test only distance vision—ignoring critical functions like:
- Near vision
- Eye focusing
- Eye teaming
- Tracking and visual processing
These problems can easily impair a child’s reading ability, writing performance, and classroom behavior—even if they can read the chart from across the room.
How Vision Problems Disrupt Learning
Vision plays a role in up to 80% of classroom learning. So when kids struggle to focus, read, or track text on a page, it can hinder comprehension and confidence.
Children with undiagnosed vision issues may:
- Skip lines or lose their place while reading
- Hold books too close
- Avoid homework or reading altogether
- Complain of headaches or tired eyes
- Appear inattentive or hyperactive
ADHD or Eye Issue?
Some vision disorders—like convergence insufficiency—can mimic ADHD symptoms, according to optometrists. That’s why it’s vital to rule out vision problems first before seeking a behavioral diagnosis.
Signs Your Child May Need a Full Eye Exam
If your child:
- Rubs their eyes frequently
- Squints or blinks excessively
- Struggles to copy from the board
- Skips lines while reading
- Complains of double vision or “moving” words
…they may need a comprehensive pediatric eye exam, even if they passed a school screening.
What’s Included in a Comprehensive Eye Exam?
At Blumenstock Family Eyecare, our kid-centered comprehensive exams go far beyond the chart:
✔️ Distance and near visual acuity
✔️ Binocular vision testing
✔️ Eye focusing ability (switching from board to paper)
✔️ Tracking and eye movement skills
✔️ Visual processing and perception
✔️ Internal and external eye health checks
This thorough assessment ensures your child is truly “school-ready” and sets them up for success across subjects.
Schedule Now for a Successful School Year
Don’t wait until a teacher’s note or report card reveals a hidden problem. Scheduling a comprehensive eye exam before school starts gives your child the best chance to thrive—socially, academically, and emotionally.
Call or book online today to reserve your back-to-school eye exam with Blumenstock Family Eyecare.
[402-421-7773, https://blumenstockeyecare.com/contact/]