The beginning of a new school year is a busy time for every family. Between buying school supplies, figuring out carpool schedules, and adjusting to new routines, it’s easy to miss something important. One thing we always encourage Sioux Falls families to prioritize is scheduling a back-to-school eye exam.
Many parents assume that if their child passes a school vision screening, their eyesight is fine. However, vision screenings only catch a small fraction of eye problems. School vision screenings miss up to 75% of kids with vision issues. To set your child up for success this school year, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive pediatric eye exam in Sioux Falls with our trusted optometrist.
Why an eye exam matters before school starts
When kids can’t see clearly, it affects every part of their school day. From reading the board to completing homework, vision problems can lead to frustration, poor grades, and behavioral issues. Unfortunately, many vision issues, such as focusing problems or poor eye coordination, aren’t caught during basic school screenings.
A comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist goes far beyond reading letters on a chart. At The Eye Doctors P.C. in Sioux Falls, we assess your child’s visual acuity, eye teaming, eye tracking, depth perception, and overall eye health. These factors are all critical for academic success and everyday life.
School vision screenings vs. pediatric eye exams: what’s the difference?
School vision screenings are a helpful first step in identifying vision problems in children, but they have limitations. These screenings typically check distance vision using a simple eye chart. While that can catch some issues, it doesn’t give the full picture of your child’s eye health or visual function. Many children with 20/20 vision still struggle with tasks like reading or maintaining focus due to undiagnosed vision conditions.
Here’s what a school screening might miss:
- Farsightedness (hyperopia)
- Astigmatism
- Eye coordination issues
- Depth perception and peripheral vision problems
- Eye focusing difficulties
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Early signs of eye disease
These problems can impact reading speed, comprehension, and attention span.
Signs your child may have a vision problem
Some kids can’t explain what’s wrong because they don’t realize their vision is off. Parents should watch for common signs of vision problems, such as:
- Frequent eye rubbing or blinking
- Complaints of headaches or tired eyes
- Holding books or digital tablets too close to their face
- Squinting or covering one eye
- Avoiding close-up work or reading
- Trouble concentrating
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it’s time to schedule an eye exam.
Annual eye exams are a part of healthy development
Your child’s eyes change rapidly as they grow. Even if their vision was perfect last year, that might not be the case this school year. An annual back-to-school eye exam is the best way to catch changes early and support your child’s development, both academically and socially.
Also, early detection of issues like myopia (nearsightedness) can help prevent more serious vision problems down the road.
Book your child’s eye exam before school starts
At The Eye Doctors P.C., we’re passionate about helping children in Sioux Falls and the surrounding areas see clearly and thrive in school. Our team offers gentle, thorough pediatric eye exams in a kid-friendly environment to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
If you’re getting ready for the school year, don’t forget to include booking your child’s eye exam on the checklist. Call us today at (605) 338-7104 or fill out our online appointment request form.