That time of year is upon us – back to school! Amidst all the shopping for clothing, shoes, and school supplies, don’t forget to schedule a back-to-school eye exam to make sure your kids’ eyes are in tip-top shape for the new school year.
Eye Exams vs. Vision Screenings… What’s The Difference?
Vision screenings often happen either at school or during your child’s annual wellness visit at the pediatrician’s office. But while they can be helpful, these screenings provide very little information – far less than what would be discovered during a comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist. Children’s eyes grow and change during their school years, and it’s important to keep up with these changes and make sure that your child’s vision is healthy. Comprehensive exams are completed by an optometrist with specialized equipment and procedures that are able to detect changes and potential problems.
Why Are They Important?
There is a significant connection between poor eyesight and poor learning. To learn well, your child needs to see well. Whether or not your child needs glasses, it’s still very important to partake in preventative care. Vision problems in children can be hard to spot when there aren’t obvious signs, so yearly exams can help your child perform better in sports, activities, and academics and ensure that nothing is missed. Don’t allow a delay in detection or treatment to cause issues to escalate. Because 1 in 4 children suffer from uncorrected vision problems, proactive exams are extremely helpful in preventing your child from being that one.
Dr. Moffatt is highly trained in diagnosing and treating children of all ages. Be sure to schedule your exam before the start of the school year!