As the school year kicks off and backpacks are packed with pencils, notebooks, and hand sanitizer, there’s one essential item that’s often overlooked: your child’s eye exam.
Vision is More Than 20/20
Most parents assume that if their child can see the board, their eyes are fine, but vision is complex. It involves eye teaming, focusing, tracking, and more. In fact, 1 in 4 school-aged children has an undiagnosed vision problem that can directly impact learning and behavior.
School Screenings Aren’t Enough
Do you think those school vision checks are covering it? Unfortunately, no. Basic screenings only catch major vision issues like nearsightedness. They often miss:
- Eye teaming issues (binocular vision dysfunction)
- Focus problems
- Depth perception
- Early signs of lazy eye (amblyopia)
- Astigmatism or farsightedness
Only a comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist can evaluate the full picture.
Vision & Learning Go Hand-in-Hand
Reading, writing, screen time, and even sports performance all rely on clear, comfortable vision. Undiagnosed vision problems can show up as:
- Trouble paying attention
- Frequent headaches or eye rubbing
- Poor reading comprehension
- Difficulty catching or tracking a ball
- Complaints of blurred or double vision
Before labeling a child as distracted or “behind,” we always recommend checking their eyes first.
When Should Eye Exams Start?
At Sokol Advanced EyeCare, we follow the AOA’s guidelines:
- First exam between 6–12 months old (we perform these exams free of charge as part of the InfantSee program)
- Second exam at age 3
- Every year thereafter, starting at age 5 or before starting kindergarten
And if your child wears glasses or contacts? Annual visits are non-negotiable to make sure their prescription is accurate and that their eyes are developing properly.
Back to School, in Style
We’re making it easy (and fun!) to get back-to-school ready:
- 50% off complete pairs of kids’ glasses (ages 0–17). August 2025 only!
- Stylish, durable frames that kids love
- Ask us about Eyezen® lenses for digital screen protection
📍 Schedule Today
Let’s make this school year crystal clear. Book your child’s eye exam at Sokol Advanced EyeCare in Madison today—because clear vision is a back-to-school essential.
