Is Your Child’s Vision Ready for the New School Year?

As summer winds down and the back-to-school hustle begins, most parents are focused on school supplies, new clothes, and class schedules. But there’s one essential item that often gets overlooked—your child’s vision.

When Should Kids Get Eye Exams? – Child’s Visions for the School Year

Clear and healthy eyesight is one of the most important tools a student can bring to the classroom. In fact, studies show that as much as 80% of learning in a classroom is visual. That means if your child is struggling to see clearly, they may also struggle to learn, focus, or stay engaged—especially in the early grades where reading, writing, and board work are key parts of the day.

The Hidden Link Between Vision and Learning Difficulties

Many learning difficulties are actually rooted in undiagnosed vision problems. Children often don’t realize they’re not seeing well because they have no frame of reference. They may assume that everyone sees blurry text or gets headaches after reading. As a result, these issues can go unnoticed and misinterpreted as attention or behavioral challenges.

Some of the most common signs of vision problems in children include:

• Squinting or tilting the head to see

• Frequent headaches or eye strain

• Difficulty reading or losing their place in a book

• Avoiding close-up work like homework or puzzles

• Trouble focusing on the board at school

• Excessive blinking or rubbing of the eyes

When Should Kids Get Eye Exams – Why Annual Pediatric Eye Exams Matter 

Even if your child passed a school vision screening, it’s still important to schedule a comprehensive pediatric eye exam. School screenings typically test for distance vision only, missing key issues like eye coordination, focusing ability, and depth perception. A full exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist can detect these deeper concerns and ensure your child’s eyes are working as a team.

Annual regular eye exams are especially important during the school years, as children’s eyes grow and change rapidly. Early detection and correction can prevent small issues from turning into long-term obstacles—both academically and developmentally.

Start the School Year Off Right

At Shreveport Eye Specialists, we’re passionate about setting kids up for success. Our experienced team offers pediatric eye care tailored to your child’s age, needs, and comfort. Whether it’s their first eye exam or they’re already wearing glasses, we’ll make the experience easy and informative—for both of you.

Schedule your child’s eye exam today and give them the clear vision they need to thrive this school year.