Back-to-school season is always a whirlwind—shopping for supplies, organizing routines, adjusting schedules, and making sure everything is in place for a smooth start. But there’s one step that often gets overlooked, even though it can have one of the biggest impacts on your child’s academic success and overall well-being: a comprehensive vision check-up.
Clear eyesight is one of the most important tools a child brings into the classroom. When vision problems go undetected, schoolwork can feel harder than it needs to be, and kids may struggle in ways that parents and teachers don’t always recognize as vision-related.
Why Vision Matters in School
Children rely on their vision for nearly 80% of classroom learning. Whether it’s reading, writing, using computers, looking at the whiteboard, or participating in sports, healthy eyesight plays a key role in how they absorb information and engage with the world around them.
When vision isn’t sharp, kids may experience:
- Trouble focusing on books or the board
- Frequent headaches or eye strain
- Struggles with reading comprehension
- Avoidance of homework or sports
- Behavioral issues that can look like lack of focus or motivation
What’s tricky is that children don’t always know how to explain what they’re experiencing. For example, a child who can’t see the board clearly may not say “I can’t see”—they may simply tune out, appear distracted, or start to fall behind in class. That’s why regular, thorough eye exams are so important—they help uncover issues before they interfere with learning and development.
Myopia: A Growing Concern
One of the fastest-growing issues in children’s eye health is myopia (nearsightedness). Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This makes distant objects appear blurry, while close-up vision remains clear.
In today’s digital era, myopia is becoming more common, partly because kids are spending more time on screens and less time outdoors. Studies have shown that children who spend at least two hours a day outside in natural light have a lower risk of developing myopia or experiencing rapid progression.
Why does myopia matter?
- It usually worsens year after year during childhood.
- High myopia increases the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment.
- Left unmanaged, it can affect not just academics, but also sports, hobbies, and confidence.
The good news is that when myopia is detected early, there are effective ways to slow its progression and protect your child’s long-term vision.
The BeyondSight Exam at Valley Vision Optometry
At Valley Vision Optometry, we know that a quick screening isn’t enough to catch every issue. That’s why our doctors provide BeyondSight Examinations—a more in-depth assessment designed to go beyond a simple “20/20” measurement.
During a BeyondSight Exam, we don’t just check how clearly your child can see. We also evaluate their overall eye health, how their eyes work together, and whether there are signs of developing conditions like myopia.
If treatment is needed, we create a personalized care plan that may include:
- Specialized glasses or contact lenses designed to slow myopia progression
- Myopia control strategies, such as atropine drops or orthokeratology (nighttime lenses)
- Lifestyle recommendations that support healthy vision, like outdoor play and balanced screen time
Our goal is to help your child see clearly today while protecting their eye health for the future.
When Specialized Care Is Needed
In some cases, children may need additional support, and that’s where our trusted partners at Everlook come in. Together, Valley Vision Optometry and Everlook provide families with access to advanced treatment plans and a complete support system for managing more complex cases of myopia.
At Everlook’s Myopia Clinic, children benefit from:
- Personalized management plans tailored to their unique needs
- Specialized glasses and advanced contact lenses designed for myopia control
- Guidance on healthy screen habits and daily routines that reduce eye strain
- Encouragement of outdoor time to support eye development naturally
By combining advanced treatment options with practical, everyday strategies, Everlook helps children not just see better, but live healthier, more active lives.
Building Healthy Habits at Home
Vision care doesn’t end in the exam chair—parents can play a big role in supporting their child’s eye health at home. Here are a few simple but powerful habits to encourage:
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes on a screen, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away.
- Encourage outdoor play: Aim for at least 2 hours a day outside when possible.
- Set up good lighting: Make sure your child reads or does homework in well-lit spaces to avoid unnecessary eye strain.
- Limit recreational screen time: Balance screen use with hands-on activities, sports, or family time.
- Watch for warning signs: Squinting, rubbing eyes, or holding books very close may indicate vision issues.
Set Your Child Up for Success
A new school year brings excitement, new challenges, and plenty of opportunities. Don’t let vision problems hold your child back from reaching their full potential.
A comprehensive eye exam is one of the simplest ways to give them a strong start—not just this school year, but for years to come.
📞 Call Valley Vision Optometry today at (250) 724-0933 to schedule your child’s BeyondSight Exam and give them the clearest vision possible for the year ahead.