The back-to-school rush comes with endless to-do lists, from buying notebooks to planning schedules. Yet many families forget to include back-to-school eye exams in their preparations.
A pediatric eye exam in Tinley Park can reveal hidden vision problems that may interfere with your child’s ability to learn and focus in school. Walter Eye Clinic provides thorough evaluations that go far beyond simple vision screenings, ensuring your child starts the school year off on the right foot.
Find out why kids should get back-to-school eye exams, how often they should see an eye doctor, and what signs may indicate vision problems.
Why back-to-school eye exams matter
Studies show that 80% of learning relies on visual input. That means even a small vision issue can affect your child’s performance and confidence in school.
Additionally, one in four children in the U.S. has a vision problem that requires diagnosis and treatment. Vision problems often go unnoticed because children may not realize what they’re missing. They adapt quickly, even if they see the world through blurry or strained eyes. A comprehensive eye exam can uncover hidden issues and help your child start the school year with the best possible vision.
School vision screenings vs. pediatric eye exams: What’s the difference?
While school vision screenings may seem helpful, they’re limited in what they check. These quick tests usually focus on distance vision and can miss up to 75% of children with vision problems.
Here’s how they compare to comprehensive eye exams:
School vision screening
- Short and basic
- Often only tests how far your child can see
- May miss problems with eye alignment, tracking, or focus
- Usually done by a school nurse or volunteer
Comprehensive pediatric eye exam
- An in-depth evaluation with a licensed optometrist
- Tests near and far vision, eye teaming, depth perception, and more
- Screens for conditions like lazy eye, crossed eyes, and focusing issues
- Tailored to your child’s specific needs and risk factors
Warning signs your child may be struggling with their vision
Kids don’t always mention vision problems, especially if they’ve never experienced clear vision before. That’s why it’s important to watch for subtle signs that something may be off.
Common signs of vision problems in children include:
- Squinting or tilting the head
- Sitting too close to screens or holding books too near
- Frequent headaches or rubbing the eyes
- Avoiding reading or homework
- Losing their place while reading
- Trouble focusing or paying attention
- Falling behind in school
- One eye turning inward or outward
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, scheduling an eye exam can help identify the issue and prevent it from affecting their learning.
How often should kids get their eyes checked?
The American Optometric Association provides clear guidelines for pediatric eye exam frequency:
- Your child’s first eye exam between 6 and 12 months old
- One exam between the ages of 3 and 5
- Another exam before starting first grade
- Every two years during school-age years if no vision correction is needed
- Annually if your child wears glasses or contact lenses
Children with a family history of eye problems, early developmental concerns, or vision correction needs may require more frequent exams.
Why choose Walter Eye Clinic for your child?
Families in Tinley Park trust Walter Eye Clinic to provide expert, compassionate care in a welcoming environment. We support your child’s vision at every stage of development. Here’s what sets us apart:
Personalized care in a kid-friendly setting
We take time to ensure children feel comfortable during their exams. Each visit is tailored to your child’s age, concerns, and visual needs.
Thorough pediatric exams
Our exams go far beyond basic vision checks. We evaluate how your child’s eyes work together, how well they focus, and whether they’re ready for the demands of school.
Myopia management
If your child is nearsighted, we offer myopia management to slow the progression of myopia. We use treatments like orthokeratology (ortho-k) and MiSight® 1-day contact lenses, which have been clinically proven to help protect long-term vision.
Convenient location near you
Walter Eye Clinic is conveniently located near several schools in the area, making it simple to coordinate eye appointments with your family’s schedule.
We serve families from Tinley Park High School, Victor J. Andrew High School, Hickory Creek Middle School, Millennium Elementary School, and Southwest Elementary School. Our location also provides easy access for students attending Oak Forest High School and Bremen High School.
Schedule your child’s back-to-school eye exam before school starts
Undiagnosed vision problems can significantly impact your child’s academic performance and overall quality of life. Walter Eye Clinic in Tinley Park provides comprehensive pediatric eye exams that ensure your child has the visual skills they need for school.
Our appointment schedule fills quickly during back-to-school season, so early scheduling helps secure convenient appointment times that work with your family’s schedule.
Call us today at (708) 532-0800 or use our online scheduler to book your child’s appointment today.
