As summer winds down in Carlsbad, families prepare for a new school year with fresh supplies, updated schedules, and plenty of excitement. But one important step that can easily be overlooked is a comprehensive children’s eye exam.
At Village Optometry, we recommend back-to-school vision checks to ensure kids start the school year with the clear, comfortable vision they need to succeed.
Why Back-to-School Eye Exams Are So Important
According to experts, up to 80% of learning is visual. Children rely on their vision for reading, writing, sports, art, and nearly every aspect of their education. Even a small vision problem can affect concentration, confidence, and performance in school.
Many vision problems go undetected because children may not realize their sight isn’t normal – and school vision screenings, while helpful, often miss more subtle conditions.
A comprehensive eye exam checks for these issues and ensures your child is ready for the year ahead.
Common Conditions Detected in Children’s Eye Exams
Pediatric eye exams look for more than just 20/20 vision.
Our Carlsbad exams screen for:
- Amblyopia (lazy eye): Reduced vision in one eye that can improve with early treatment.
- Strabismus (eye misalignment): When the eyes don’t work together, affecting depth perception and sometimes causing double vision.
- Refractive errors: Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can all impact reading and classroom activities.
- Focusing and tracking problems: Issues with eye coordination that make it harder to follow along in class or read comfortably.
Eye Exam Recommendations for Children
The American Optometric Association recommends:
- First exam at 6 months to check early development.
- Next at age 3 to monitor visual milestones.
- Before starting school to ensure readiness.
- Every 2 years after if no vision problems are detected.
Children with glasses, contact lenses, or certain risk factors – such as a family history of eye problems, premature birth, or developmental delays – may need more frequent exams.
Why Carlsbad Families Choose Village Optometry
Our team is committed to helping children develop healthy vision at every stage of growth.
Our pediatric eye care includes:
- Age-appropriate testing: Exams tailored for infants, preschoolers, and school-aged children.
- Comprehensive evaluation: Beyond visual acuity, we assess eye teaming, focusing, tracking, and eye health.
- Personalized solutions: Glasses, eye patches, or vision therapy referrals when needed.
Our goal is to make each visit comfortable and educational for both children and parents, ensuring the best start for the school year.
Start the School Year with Clear Vision in Carlsbad, CA
School starts just as days get shorter – making good vision essential for reading in varied lighting and staying active after class. Scheduling a children’s eye exam in late summer or early fall helps ensure your child is prepared for academic success.
Contact us today at 760-729-4327 or schedule online to book your child’s back-to-school eye exam.