Requiring Eye Exams for School?

School starts in just a few weeks, and I’ve decided to get my daughter a full eye exam before she heads to kindergarten. She’s excited about it and kind of hoping she has to get glasses (because she thinks they are so stylish)! She’s particularly interested in a pink frame.

But, I’m interested in making sure her eyes are working well and that she’ll be able to see so that she can learn. Did you know that 80% of all learning is visual for children until they are about 12 years old?

Does Your State Require an Eye Exam?

I wondered why schools don’t make eye exams a requirement and I found out some interesting information. About a decade ago, Kentucky became the first state to require a full eye exam for children before they enter preschool, Head Start or kindergarten. Soon after Kentucky changed their law, Missouri and Illinois did the same.

Although most states (like mine) require a vision screening (reading the eye chart at your pediatrician’s office) before a child enters the public school system, the Kentucky law was monumentally different in that it required a full eye examination.

What’s the Difference Between a Screening and an Exam?

Well, I posted about that a few months ago (click here to read the full descriptions). But, in short, a full eye exam checks all aspects of a child’s vision. It will test for refractive errors, examine eye health, and check thoroughly for any other signs and symptoms of disease or problems. A vision screening is not comprehensive. A screening can only catch if a child is having trouble seeing far away and will signal that a full exam is necessary.

I personally think it’s kind of great that some states are requiring a full eye exam. Even if your state doesn’t require it, it’s a good idea to have your child get one at a young age. Did you know that some eye conditions, like Amblyopia, can be treated and reversed if caught before age 5? That’s one big reason, right there.

Here’s another. Some studies of early childhood development show that one of the biggest factors that limits a child’s ability to learn and succeed in school is trouble seeing.

Plus, if you do get your child a full vision exam you can address and treat your child’s problems immediately. With a vision screening, you still have to go see the optometrist to get potential issues examined and treated.

Want to schedule your child for a full eye exam before school starts? Just click here and find a great licensed optometrist at your closest America’s Best.