As summer winds down and the school year approaches, it’s time to stock up on supplies, plan new routines, and make sure your child’s vision is ready for the classroom. A back-to-school eye exam is one of the most important things you can do to support their learning and overall well-being.
At Magnolia Eye Care, we provide pediatric eye exams in King for children ages 5 and up. With nearby schools like Poplar Springs Elementary, Chestnut Grove Middle School, and West Stokes High School, it’s easy to fit a visit into your back-to-school checklist.
Learn about the importance of back-to-school eye exams, how often to schedule children’s eye exams, and why school vision screenings aren’t enough.
Why back-to-school eye exams matter
Up to 80% of what kids learn in school is visual1, from reading books and writing on paper to seeing the board and following along in class. But vision problems aren’t always obvious. Many kids assume that blurry or strained vision is normal, and they may not speak up.
Without clear, comfortable vision, your child could struggle to keep up in class, develop headaches, or lose interest in schoolwork. An eye exam can catch hidden issues early before they affect grades or confidence.
School vision screenings vs. pediatric eye exams: What’s the difference?
While some schools provide basic vision screenings, these tests only check for major distance vision problems. They don’t assess how well your child’s eyes work together, how they focus, or whether there are signs of conditions like lazy eye (amblyopia) or eye turns (strabismus). Additionally, school vision screenings miss up to 75% of kids with vision problems2.
Here’s how these screenings compare to comprehensive exams:
School vision screening
- Quick and basic
- May miss serious vision issues
- Often done by a nurse and not a trained eye care professional
Comprehensive pediatric eye exam
- Performed by an experienced optometrist
- Evaluates distance and near vision, eye teaming, focusing, and eye health
- Detects common childhood vision problems early
At Magnolia Eye Care, we tailor every comprehensive eye exam to your child’s age, needs, and risk factors to ensure nothing is missed.
Warning signs your child may be struggling with their vision
Even if your child doesn’t complain about their vision, they may still have an issue. Watch out for signs of a vision problem, such as:
- Squinting or tilting their head
- Holding books or screens very close
- Frequent eye rubbing
- Headaches or eye fatigue
- Skipping lines or losing their place while reading
- Short attention span during visual tasks
- Avoiding reading or schoolwork
If you notice any of these signs, schedule a pediatric eye exam before school starts.
How often should kids get their eyes checked?
According to the American Optometric Association (AOA)3, children should get eye exams regularly starting in infancy:
- One exam between 6–12 months old: Your child’s first eye exam to check early development
- Another exam sometime between 3–5 years old: This second exam monitors eye alignment and visual skills
- An exam before first grade: Ensures their vision is ready for learning
- School-age children: Every year to check for subtle vision problems and ensure their prescription is up to date
At Magnolia Eye Care, we see children ages 5 and up, but we’re happy to recommend an eye care provider if your younger child needs care.
Why choose Magnolia Eye Care for your child?
At Magnolia Eye Care, we’re proud to care for families in King and surrounding communities. Here’s what makes us a trusted choice:
Kid-friendly approach
We make sure eye exams are stress-free and comfortable for children.
Fun, durable eyewear
We offer a wide selection of stylish children’s glasses for kids who need them.
Trusted by local families
We have nearly 300 Google reviews and a 4.8-star average rating from patients in King and surrounding areas.
Convenient location
Our office is close to local schools like King Elementary, Chestnut Grove Middle, and West Stokes High, making it easy to book before or after school.
Schedule your child’s back-to-school eye exam before school starts
Help your child head back to school with the confidence that comes from seeing clearly. A thorough eye exam can set them up for a successful, focused year.
Book your child’s back-to-school eye exam at Magnolia Eye Care in King today. Appointments fill up fast this time of year, so call us to schedule or book online!
References:
- Dudovitz, R. N., Izadpanah, N., Chung, P. J., & Slusser, W. (2016). Parent, Teacher, and Student Perspectives on How Corrective Lenses Improve Child Wellbeing and School Function. Maternal and Child Health Journal. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-015-1882-z
- (2019, July 24). Championing children’s eye care. American Optometric Association. Retrieved July 18, 2025, from https://www.aoa.org/news/inside-optometry/aoa-news/championing-childrens-eye-care
- (n.d.). Comprehensive eye exams. American Optometric Association Website. Retrieved July 18, 2025, from https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/eye-exams