As your child heads into a new school year, sharp vision is just as important as sharpened pencils. Good eyesight impacts not only academic performance but also confidence in sports, social interactions, and daily activities. For many students, even small, undetected vision issues can create unnecessary struggles in the classroom.
At Lakeside Vision Centre, we recommend that every school-age child have a comprehensive eye exam before the year begins. These exams help identify potential problems early—before they affect learning or cause frustration.
As Dr. Haley Backus explains, “A full exam checks vision, binocular coordination, depth perception, and the health of the eyes. We can detect conditions like amblyopia or strabismus early—sometimes before a child even notices there’s a problem.”
Why an Annual Eye Exam Matters for School-Age Children
- Learning and Reading: Research shows that up to 80% of classroom learning is visual. Even minor vision issues can make reading, writing, and focusing on the board more difficult.
- Sports and Activities: Good depth perception and eye coordination are essential for catching a ball, navigating dance steps, and other extracurricular activities.
- Early Detection of Eye Conditions: Eye turns, focusing issues, or high prescriptions can be caught and treated before they cause lasting visual impact.
Dr. Backus notes, “Sometimes the child doesn’t notice a problem because the other eye is good. That’s why screenings at school aren’t enough—we need a full, comprehensive exam to catch those issues.”
What to Expect at the Appointment
- Kid-Friendly Testing: If your child doesn’t yet know their letters, we use picture charts and lights to assess vision. For younger or non-verbal children, automated testing helps determine prescription needs.
- Dilation When Needed: Special drops may be used to check eye health and provide the most accurate prescription. Depending on the type of drop, effects may last from 2–24 hours, but Dr. Backus says, “Usually by the time they go back to school, they’ll be able to function.”
- Immediate Results: You’ll leave with a copy of your child’s prescription and a summary of findings before you walk out the door.
Quick Tips for Parents
- Let your child know the exam is painless and short—typically 20–30 minutes, or up to 45 minutes if dilation is needed.
- Bring any current glasses or contact lenses to the appointment.
- Inform teachers if your child has been dilated so they understand any temporary changes in vision.
Give Your Child a Clear Start to the School Year
Vision plays a critical role in your child’s ability to succeed academically and enjoy their school experience. Addressing vision problems before they impact learning can make a world of difference in your child’s confidence and performance. That’s why we encourage families to schedule comprehensive eye exams before the first day of school.
At Lakeside Vision Centre, we create a relaxed, supportive environment to help children feel comfortable during their visit. Dr. Backus shares, “We encourage parents to stay in the room—most kids feel reassured having you there.” Whether it’s their first exam or just time for an annual check, our team is here to make the process simple, thorough, and positive. Call us at 855-215-5705 or visit us at [address from SSOT] to book your appointment today.
FAQs
How long after dilation will my child’s vision return to normal?
Usually within an hour, though some drops last longer. We will let you know before the exam which drops are being used and what to expect.
What if my child can’t focus during the exam?
We can adapt our testing methods or schedule a second visit if needed. Sometimes splitting the process into two shorter visits helps young children cooperate more easily.
Can my child return to school after being dilated?
Yes. Dr. Backus says, “There’s no reason not to go back. I just tell parents to let the teacher know so they understand why the pupils are dilated and that there may be a little blurriness for a short time.”