When children head back to school, vision screenings are often part of the routine. While these quick checks can identify some vision problems, they are not a substitute for a comprehensive pediatric eye exam.
At Whetstone Eye Care, we encourage parents to think of screenings as just the first step, not the final word on their child’s eye health.
What Screenings Can and Cannot Do
School vision screenings are designed to flag obvious issues, such as nearsightedness or trouble seeing the board. However, they do not test for eye health conditions, eye coordination, or focusing ability. Many common pediatric eye problems—like amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye misalignment), or subtle focusing difficulties—are easily missed during a screening. Left undetected, these issues can affect learning, reading ability, and even social development.
The Value of a Comprehensive Eye Exam
A full pediatric eye exam goes far beyond reading letters on a chart. During the exam, an optometrist evaluates how the eyes work together, checks depth perception, examines the internal and external health of the eyes, and ensures that your child’s vision is developing normally. Early detection of issues allows for timely treatment, which is critical during a child’s growth years.
Why Early Detection Matters
Children often don’t realize their vision is blurry or that something is wrong with their eyes. They may assume everyone sees the way they do. This makes regular eye exams even more important, as many vision problems go unnoticed until they begin to interfere with schoolwork. A comprehensive eye exam ensures that vision issues are caught early, before they become more difficult to correct.
Supporting Academic Success
Clear, comfortable vision is essential for learning. From reading books to using digital devices, children rely on their eyesight every day in the classroom. Annual eye exams provide peace of mind for parents and help students perform their best. If your child only participates in school screenings, they may not be getting the full picture of their eye health.
Schedule a Pediatric Eye Exam in Naples
Even if your child has passed a school vision screening, don’t wait until problems show up. Contact Whetstone Eye Care for a comprehensive eye exam to ensure your child’s eyes are healthy and ready for the school year. Our team is dedicated to helping children achieve success with clear, comfortable vision.
Visit us in Naples or call 239-908-4098 to schedule your child’s appointment today. Give your child the best chance to thrive academically with proper vision care.