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Children’s eye health at school: Tips for parents & teachers

Q: What is the difference between a school vision screening and a comprehensive eye exam?

A school vision screening is a basic test that primarily checks distance vision using an eye chart. A comprehensive eye exam, performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist, evaluates the overall health of the eye, eye coordination, focusing ability, and detects diseases that a simple screening will miss.

Q: How often should children have a comprehensive eye exam?

While previously, recommendations were typically to see an eye doctor every two years, school-age children are now recommended to get an in-person comprehensive eye exam every year. Certain vision conditions like myopia require more consistent monitoring and treatment.

Q: What is the difference between a school vision screening and a regular eye exam?

A school vision screening tests for basic vision problems like strong nearsightedness or farsightedness, but can miss many vision issues. A regular comprehensive eye exam checks the health of the eyes and includes a thorough examination of vision using precise tools, and it’s at these exams that an eye doctor can prescribe treatments like glasses or contacts.

Q: How can I tell if my child has trouble seeing at school?

Some common “tells” that a child is struggling to see at school are recurring headaches, squinting to see the board, rubbing their eyes, and tilting their head to see better. If you notice one or more of these symptoms, reach out to your eye doctor to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.

Q: What is myopia and how can I help prevent it in my child?

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a condition where the eye grows too long or the cornea or lens in the eye is too curved, leading to blurry vision when looking at things that are far away. While it can’t always be prevented, certain measures can help slow or delay its progression. This may include prescription vision correction like special contact lenses, or at-home routines like more time outside and less time focusing on close-up things like homework and smartphones.

Q: How much outdoor time helps prevent myopia in children?

Research shows that spending at least two hours per day outdoors can help reduce myopia onset or slow its progression.

Q: What classroom accommodations help students with vision impairments?

Students with vision impairments may need a variety of accommodations, depending on the level of their impairment. Accommodations may include using large print, audio options, assistive devices, and more.

Q: When should I take my child to an eye care professional?

You should take your child to see an eye care professional according to the routine schedule recommended by the American Optometric Association (AOA), and anytime you have a concern about your child’s eye health.

Medically reviewed on []

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Published on August 21, 2024; Updated on []

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5 minute read

Key takeaways

Setting your students up for success, starting with their eyes

The importance of vision in the classroom

- Scott Rozelle, Stanford University Professor

Student eye health tips for parents and teachers

4. Create a vision-friendly environment

5. Protect their eyes

When should parents schedule their child’s eye exam?

Find an eye doctor

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a school vision screening and a comprehensive eye exam?

How often should children have a comprehensive eye exam?

What is the difference between a school vision screening and a regular eye exam?

How can I tell if my child has trouble seeing at school?

What is myopia and how can I help prevent it in my child?

How much outdoor time helps prevent myopia in children?

What classroom accommodations help students with vision impairments?

When should I take my child to an eye care professional?

Children’s eye health at school: Tips for parents & teachers

Key takeaways

Setting your students up for success, starting with their eyes

The importance of vision in the classroom

Student eye health tips for parents and teachers

1. Schedule regular eye exams

2. Get ahead of myopia onset or progression

3. Watch for warning signs of vision problems

4. Create a vision-friendly environment

5. Protect their eyes

When should parents schedule their child’s eye exam?

Frequently asked questions

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