As your family gets ready for a new school year, there’s one essential item to add to your back-to-school checklist: scheduling an eye exam. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or heading into high school, clear vision is crucial for learning, focusing, and performing well in school.
If you’re searching for a pediatric eye doctor near you, Clarin Eye Care Center and Coral Gables Eye Care offer personalized, comprehensive care in a friendly, welcoming environment. Our pediatric eye exams in Palmetto Bay and Coral Gables help detect vision issues that school vision screenings often miss.
Keep reading to learn about the importance of back-to-school eye exams, how often children should see an eye doctor, and how to tell if your child has vision problems.
Why back-to-school eye exams matter
Up to 80% of classroom learning is visual. From reading and writing to using digital devices and seeing the board, children rely on their eyes for nearly every aspect of their education.
Still, many vision problems go undetected. One in four children has a vision problem that requires diagnosis and treatment, and symptoms aren’t always obvious. Left unaddressed, these problems can lead to frustration, learning delays, and even behavioral issues in school.
Only a qualified eye doctor can address these vision problems and ensure your child has the visual skills they need to succeed.
School vision screenings vs. pediatric eye exams: What’s the difference?
Many schools offer quick vision screenings, but these aren’t a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam performed by a licensed optometrist. Here’s how they compare:
School vision screening
- Brief and limited in scope
- Often checks only distance vision
- May miss eye coordination or focusing problems
- Usually conducted by a school nurse or volunteer
Comprehensive pediatric eye exam
- A full evaluation of vision and eye health
- Tests near vision, eye teaming, tracking, and more
- Detects conditions like lazy eye and eye strain
- Performed by a licensed optometrist
A comprehensive eye exam provides a complete picture of your child’s visual health and can help prevent issues from going unnoticed.
Warning signs your child may be struggling with their vision
Your child may not mention vision problems, but they could still be struggling to see clearly. Kids often adapt to poor vision without realizing anything is wrong.
Watch for these common signs of vision problems in children:
- Squinting or tilting the head to see better
- Frequent headaches or eye rubbing
- Holding books or screens very close to their face
- Avoiding reading or schoolwork
- Losing their place while reading
- Trouble focusing or paying attention in class
- A visible eye turn
- Falling behind academically
If your child starts showing any of these symptoms, it’s best to schedule an eye exam for a thorough evaluation.
How often should kids get their eyes checked?
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends the following schedule for children’s eye exams:
- 6–12 months old: Your child’s first eye exam can detect early signs of eye conditions
- 3–5 years old: Second exam to check visual development
- Before first grade: This exam ensures readiness for school
Children with risk factors like a family history of eye problems, developmental delays, or premature birth may need more frequent visits.
Once they reach school age, we recommend they see an eye doctor every two years if they don’t need vision correction. Children who need glasses or contact lenses should get annual eye exams.
Why choose Clarin Eye Care Center or Coral Gables Eye Care for your child?
At Clarin Eye Care Center in Palmetto Bay and Coral Gables Eye Care in Coral Gables, we’re dedicated to supporting the eye health of children in our communities. Families trust us to provide compassionate care, thorough exams, and expert guidance at every stage of their child’s vision development. Here’s what sets our practices apart:
Kid-friendly, personalized care
We make your child’s comfort a priority. Our team takes the time to understand their needs and provide care that’s easy to understand and stress-free.
Thorough pediatric exams
Our exams go beyond basic vision checks and assess eye health, focusing ability, and how well your child’s eyes work together.
Myopia management and ortho-k
If your child has been diagnosed with nearsightedness (myopia), we offer evidence-based myopia management solutions, including orthokeratology (ortho-k), to slow progression and protect long-term eye health.
Convenient locations near you
We serve families at two convenient locations:
- Clarin Eye Care Center – Palmetto Bay: Located near top local schools like Coral Reef Elementary School, Southwood Middle School, and Miami Palmetto Senior High, our Palmetto Bay office is a convenient choice for families looking to prioritize their child’s eye health during the school year.
- Coral Gables Eye Care – Coral Gables: Conveniently located near George W. Carver Elementary School, Ponce de Leon Middle School, and Coral Gables Senior High, our Coral Gables office provides comprehensive pediatric eye care just minutes from school drop-off or pickup.
After-school appointments available
After-school appointments are available to fit your family’s schedule. That means your child can get the quality eye care they need without missing class!
Schedule your child’s back-to-school eye exam before school starts
Schedule your child’s eye exam before vision issues start to impact their learning. Catching problems early helps set them up for a successful school year.
Appointments fill quickly at this time of year. Call us today in Palmetto Bay or Coral Gables, or use our online scheduler to book an appointment.