Back-to-school eye exams: What to know

• Posted on: Aug 1 2016
• By: Jim Wiegand

As a parent, you do all you can to make sure your child learns and develops properly. But there is one essential that many moms and dads frequently miss – the back-to-school eye exam.

Vision is vital to children’s development. In fact, the American Optometric Association (AOA) states that up to 80% of learning is visual, so it is important to keep up-to-date on your kids’ eye exams.

Eye tests should begin before your child even begins school, with the first exam shortly after birth. The AOA advises parents to have their infants eyes examined at six months old. It is suggested that the next eye exam be performed around age three. 

Once children are school-aged, an eye doctor should see them before they enter kindergarten or first grade, usually about age five or six. After that, children should be seen every two years unless vision correction is needed. In that case, kids should be seen yearly or according to their eye doctor’s suggestion as their eyes can change frequently and rapidly. These early eye exams are beneficial to kids’ development and can help prevent bigger problems later in life.

It is suggested to bring your child to a qualified eye doctor, as screenings held at schools often do not offer a comprehensive evaluation. Eye doctors have specific equipment and education to better allow them to diagnose and detect vision problems in kids. An eye doctor tests for many eye issues including:

• Near vision
• Far vision
• Binocularity (Eye teaming)
• Eye movement skills
• Focus problems
• Peripheral vision
• Hand/eye coordination

Back-to-school is the best time to get your children’s eyes examined. Call Tower Clock Eye Center at 920 499-3102 to schedule your appointment today and make sure your child has the clear sight he or she needs for a successful school year.

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Dr. Amanda Schuster is an optometrist specializing in comprehensive eyecare for the entire family. She enjoys customizing your eye exam to solve your specific lifestyle vision needs. Amanda is familiar with all the latest types of contacts lenses and enjoys working with multifocal lenses. She has a special interest in contact lenses, pediatrics, dry eyes and patient education.

For appointments call 920 499-3102.

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