Why an Eye Test Is Important Before Kids Return to School

The holidays are still in full swing, but before you know it, school will be back in February! While there’s plenty of time to enjoy the last bit of holiday fun, now is the perfect time to think ahead and book an eye test for your child.

As kids grow, so do their eyes, and their vision can change faster than you realise. That’s why a pre-school eye test is so important—it helps make sure they’re ready for a successful school year ahead.

Why a Back-to-School Eye Test Matters

Did you know that one in five kids has an undiagnosed vision problem that could be affecting their school performance and confidence? Often, kids don’t complain about their eyesight because they’ve adapted to vision issues (like squinting or sitting too close to the board).

This can be especially concerning for younger children, as the first few years of school are crucial for developing language and literacy skills. Regular eye tests help ensure your child is ready to thrive in the classroom and beyond.

A simple eye test can identify any issues that might be affecting their ability to learn, such as the need for glasses or contact lenses. It also checks how well their eyes work together, track text, focus, and detect objects in their peripheral vision.

Before they dive into sport, an eye test is important to reduce the risk of injury too.

Ensuring the Right Spectacles

If your child needs spectacles, it’s best to get them fitted before school starts, so they can start the year seeing clearly. Ill-fitting or outdated glasses can affect their vision and school performance. With kids spending more time on screens, your optometrist might also recommend special lenses to protect their eyes from blue light and glare.

Signs of Classroom Vision Problems

Here’s a quick checklist to help spot potential vision problems in your child. If any of these sound familiar, it might be time for an eye test:

  • Squinting or rubbing their eyes frequently
  • Sitting too close to the TV or board
  • Difficulty reading or tracking text
  • Complaints of headaches or eye strain

Give your child the best start to the school year by scheduling an eye test with your local optometrist. If any issues are found, make sure to discuss them with your child’s teacher so they can provide the support needed to help your child succeed.

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