Does my child need a vision exam if she’s had a school screening?
Yes, she still needs a comprehensive eye exam from an optometrist with the training and equipment to detect the full range of potential childhood vision issues. Vision screenings at school typically only test for nearsightedness and are not capable of identifying more serious eye conditions. One in four children may have a vision issue that could impair development and success at school. All children should undergo eye exams every one to two years starting from the time they reach six months.
Comprehensive eye exams for children are very important because they help identify and treat conditions that are frequently not detected during routine school screenings or pediatric visits.
Vision and Childhood Development
Regular eye exams are an important way to keep your children on track. Babies and young children with vision impairment can struggle with early development because so much of their learning is based on visual cues. Early identification of vision problems via a comprehensive children’s eye exam is one important way to help ensure your child develops at a healthy pace. Kids with vision issues often have trouble in school, with sports, and even interacting with other children. Help your kids thrive with regular children’s eye exams. Learn more about common vision issues that could impact your child’s learning:
- Nearsightedness
- Farsightedness
- Astigmatism
- Lazy eye (Amblyopia)
- Cross eyes (Strabismus)
Even Babies Need Eye Exams
The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Optometric Association both recommend a first eye exam for babies between 6 and 12 months and then once every year or two after that. Our experienced optometrists test for nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism plus common eye movement and eye health conditions. Research funded by the National Institutes of Health show that as many as one in four preschool-aged children may have a vision issue that needs attention, and these problems are often easier to correct if treatment begins early. That is why vision care is an important part of any infant wellness plan.
Beyond School Screenings
Many parents rely on pediatric or school vision screenings in lieu of comprehensive eye exams for their children. These screenings don’t occur until a child reaches school age – well after the recommended timeline for a child’s first eye exam. Plus, school screenings typically only check for basic nearsightedness and are not capable of identifying more serious conditions. Routine kids eye exams are critical, plus they are covered by Medicaid and most insurance plans. Medicaid covers the complete cost of annual eye exams for children, and glasses when needed. In fact, we carry over 350 Medicaid-approved frames for children of all ages, so you can get your kids the vision correction they need for little or no cost to you.
Affordable Children’s Eye Exams
We believe that no child should struggle with learning due to undetected vision problems. That’s why we strive to make vision care affordable. We accept Medicaid and most insurance plans so that children can receive regular vision exams and glasses when needed at little or no cost to parents.
Call today to schedule your children for a comprehensive eye exam!
Adventure Dental and Vision
785-236-7787
400 SW 29th Street, Topeka
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