Back to School – Does Your Child Need an Eye Exam?

A boy with brown hair is smiling and looking at an ophthalmoscope in a medical setting.

A parent at Sunsation Eyewear in Brooklyn recently shared how their son’s grades slipped, and he began avoiding reading altogether. After a back-to-school eye exam, they discovered he needed glasses to see the board clearly. Once fitted with the right lenses, his confidence — and his grades — bounced back.

At Sunsation Eyewear, we see stories like this every year. As kids head back to school, clear vision is just as important as new school supplies. An eye exam can mean the difference between a child thriving in class or struggling silently. Let’s explore why a back-to-school eye exam is crucial for your child’s success.

Vision and Learning Go Hand in Hand

Children often can’t explain when they’re having trouble seeing. Instead, their struggles might show up in unexpected ways.

80% of Learning Is Visual

Experts estimate that 80% of classroom learning depends on vision. From reading the board to copying notes and participating in sports, clear vision is critical. When a child can’t see well, they may fall behind academically or lose interest in activities they once enjoyed.

Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference

Vision changes in children often happen gradually. Kids may not even realize their eyes aren’t working as they should—it’s like trying to read a book through a foggy window. Regular eye exams ensure small vision issues don’t turn into big obstacles for learning and development.

Uncorrected Vision Problems Can Mimic Learning Issues

Sometimes, kids are labeled as distracted or struggling to learn, when in reality, they’re simply struggling to see. Conditions like astigmatism, farsightedness, or eye coordination problems can all impact how a child reads, writes, and focuses.

Signs Your Child Might Need an Eye Exam

Not sure if your child should see an eye doctor before school starts? Here are some common red flags to watch for.

Squinting or Sitting Close to Screens

If your child squints, tilts their head, or moves closer to books or screens, it could be a sign of vision issues.

Complaints of Headaches or Eye Strain

Frequent headaches or rubbing their eyes are often signs of uncorrected vision problems.

Difficulty Concentrating on Schoolwork

A child who avoids reading, loses their place while reading, or struggles to focus in class might need an eye exam.

Covering or Closing One Eye

Kids sometimes close one eye to compensate for double vision or eye alignment issues.

Benefits of Back-to-School Eye Exams

A back-to-school eye exam does far more than check whether your child needs glasses.

Early Detection of Eye Conditions

Eye exams help detect serious conditions like lazy eye (amblyopia), crossed eyes (strabismus), or focusing issues. The earlier these are treated, the better the outcome for your child’s vision and learning.

Support for Academic Success

When vision is clear, kids can focus on learning rather than struggling to see. An exam ensures they’re starting the school year with the best chance to succeed.

Peace of Mind for Parents

Even if your child’s vision seems fine, an eye exam offers peace of mind. At Sunsation Eyewear, we use advanced technology to ensure a thorough check-up for your child’s eye health.

Start the School Year Right with Sunsation Eyewear in Brooklyn, NY

At Sunsation Eyewear in Brooklyn, we’re passionate about helping children see clearly and confidently. A back-to-school eye exam is one of the most important steps you can take for your child’s health and education. Our friendly team makes the experience fun and stress-free for kids of all ages.

Book your child’s eye exam and set them up for a year of success, both in and out of the classroom. Let’s help them see the world—and their future—brightly and clearly!