As a new school year approaches, parents in Waitsfield and the surrounding areas are busy shopping for supplies, organizing schedules, and ensuring their children are ready for school. During this busy time of year, it’s easy to overlook one crucial item: a comprehensive eye exam. An eye exam may be the last thing on your mind, but it is very important to get your child’s eyes checked regularly.
Studies show that one in four children has a vision problem, and good vision is essential for academic success. Eighty percent of classroom learning is visual, which means vision problems can lead to challenges with reading, writing, and focusing. And it’s not always easy to tell when a child is struggling with their vision, especially since children may think everyone sees the way they do.
The limitations of school vision screenings
Many parents rely on school vision screenings to check their child’s eyesight, but these screenings cannot provide a detailed understanding of eye health and, therefore, may miss certain issues. School vision screenings are helpful but have significant limitations. These screenings typically measure only how well a child can see at a distance. They often miss other critical aspects, such as focusing ability, eye coordination, and overall eye health.
School screenings do not check for eye diseases or conditions like strabismus (crossed eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye), or refractive errors such as astigmatism, which can significantly impact a child’s learning and development. According to the American Optometric Association, school screenings miss up to 75% of children with vision problems. This means that many children with vision issues go undiagnosed and untreated.
Why comprehensive eye exams are essential
A comprehensive eye exam goes beyond checking how well your child can see. Optometrists evaluate the complete visual system and eye health to ensure kids have the visual skills needed to succeed in school. At Mad River Eye Care, Dr. Mitchell assesses not only visual acuity (how well your child sees at a distance) but also how well your child’s eyes work together (binocular vision), their focusing skills, color vision, and depth perception. These factors are crucial for reading, writing, and other classroom activities.
Our exams also include a thorough check of the eye’s internal and external structures, identifying any early signs of eye diseases and conditions that could affect your child’s vision and overall health.
When to schedule your child’s eye exam
The American Optometric Association recommends children get their first comprehensive eye exam at six months old, another at three years old, and again before starting school. After that, you should schedule yearly exams to monitor changes and ensure optimal vision and eye health.
As you prepare your child for the upcoming school year, now is the perfect time to schedule an eye exam. Your child’s eyes can frequently change as they get older, making eye exams crucial for identifying these changes. As a leading provider of family eye care in Waitsfield, Mad River Eye Care offers comprehensive eye care services and the expertise and personalized attention your family deserves. From myopia management to pediatric eye exams for children of all ages, we will help you protect your child’s vision for years to come. Schedule an appointment with us today and make sure your child is ready for the school year ahead.
