As your family prepares for the new school year, don’t forget to schedule a pediatric eye exam in Omaha or Lincoln. A child’s vision plays a critical role in helping them succeed in school. Whether your child is entering kindergarten or about to start high school, a comprehensive eye exam can catch vision issues before they start interfering with learning.
At ProEye Vision Center, we begin seeing children around the age of five, right before they start school. Our team provides exceptional, personalized care to help ensure your child has the visual skills they need to thrive.
Learn why back-to-school eye exams are important, how often your child should visit the eye doctor, and what signs might indicate vision problems.
Why back-to-school eye exams matter
Did you know that 80% of learning in the classroom is visual? From reading textbooks to viewing lessons on a smart board, children rely heavily on their vision every day.
Yet, many vision issues aren’t obvious, and one in four children has a vision problem that requires professional care. Left unaddressed, these issues can lead to academic struggles, frustration, or even behavioral concerns.
That’s why early and regular visits to an eye doctor are essential. A back-to-school eye exam ensures your child has the visual skills needed to thrive inside and outside of the classroom.
School vision screenings vs. pediatric eye exams: What’s the difference?
Many schools offer basic vision screenings, but these quick checks aren’t a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam performed by a licensed optometrist. In fact, school vision screenings miss up to 75% of children with vision problems.
Here’s how they compare to comprehensive eye exams:
School vision screening
- Quick and limited
- Often checks only distance vision
- May miss eye coordination and focusing problems
- Usually done by a school nurse or volunteer
Comprehensive pediatric eye exam
- A full evaluation of vision and eye health
- Tests near and distance vision, eye teaming, and tracking
- Detects issues like lazy eye and digital eye strain
- Performed by a licensed optometrist
A comprehensive eye exam provides a complete picture of your child’s vision and eye health, catching concerns that school vision screenings may miss.
Warning signs your child may be struggling with their vision
Kids don’t always know how to describe vision problems. They may think their experience is normal, even when they’re struggling.
Be on the lookout for these common signs of vision problems in children:
- Squinting or tilting the head to see clearly
- Frequent headaches or rubbing the eyes
- Holding books or screens too close
- Avoiding reading or homework
- Losing their place while reading
- Difficulty paying attention in class
- A visible eye turn
- Falling behind academically
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an exam to address potential concerns before they impact learning.
How often should kids get their eyes checked?
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends the following schedule for children’s eye exams:
- 6–12 months old: Your child’s first eye exam helps identify early signs of eye health or vision issues
- 3–5 years old: A second exam evaluates how their vision is developing as they grow
- Before first grade: This important exam ensures readiness for school
After that, children with no vision issues should have an eye exam every two years. Kids who wear eyeglasses or contact lenses should be seen annually.
Children with risk factors, such as a family history of eye problems, premature birth, or developmental delays, may need more frequent visits.
Why choose ProEye Vision Center for your child?
Families in Omaha and Lincoln trust ProEye Vision Center for expert, compassionate care. We combine advanced technology with a personalized approach to support your child’s eye health.
Gentle, kid-focused care
We take time to make kids feel comfortable during their exams. Our team explains each step clearly to reduce anxiety and build trust.
Thorough pediatric exams
Our eye exams go far beyond basic vision checks. We assess visual acuity, tracking, eye coordination, focusing skills, and overall eye health.
Myopia management options
If your child is nearsighted, we offer evidence-based myopia management treatments, such as Cooper MiSight® contact lenses, to slow progression and reduce the risk of more serious eye issues in the future.
Convenient locations near you
We serve families at two easily accessible locations in southeastern Nebraska. Whether you’re near downtown Lincoln or Omaha, you’ll find expert care just minutes from home, work, or school.
Omaha office
Our Omaha eye care center is conveniently located near several schools, including:
Lincoln office
Our Lincoln eye care center is just a short drive from:
After-school appointments available
We offer late afternoon appointments to make it easy for your child to get the care they need without missing class time.
Schedule your child’s back-to-school eye exam before classes begin
Don’t wait until vision issues impact your child’s learning. Schedule a back-to-school eye exam today to give them the best start to the school year.
Appointments fill up fast this time of year. Call our Omaha (402-502-1228) or Lincoln office (402-817-5626) today or use our online scheduler to book your child’s exam.
