Cheat Sheet for Your Kid’s Eye Exam

It’s time to get your little ones ready for the school year, and while you’re busy buying pencils, notebooks, and backpacks, don’t forget one essential item on their checklist: healthy vision. Did you know that 80% of learning is visual learning? That means clear and comfortable vision is key to setting your child up for success in the classroom.

To make your life easier, we’ve put together a must-have vision checklist. This guide will walk you through everything you need to do before, during, and after your child’s eye exam, ensuring they’re prepared to ace their school year.

Before the Appointment

A little prep work goes a long way in ensuring the checkup is smooth and thorough.
Here’s how you get started:

Schedule a comprehensive eye exam
A school screening isn’t enough. While screenings can catch some vision issues, only a full eye exam can detect concerns like myopia, astigmatism, binocular vision disorders, and other eye diseases and/or pathologies. Schedule an eye exam with Stanton Optical; they offer same-day appointments and can even have single-vision glasses made in just 30 minutes.

Gather your child’s medical and vision history
This includes previous eye prescriptions, any eye-related complaints, and medical conditions. Your optometrist will use this information to better understand your child’s vision needs.

Make a list of vision-related concerns
Have you noticed your child squinting at the TV or holding books too close to their face? Maybe they’ve been complaining about headaches. Write these down, so you can discuss them with the doctor.

Bring current glasses or contact lenses
If your child already wears glasses or contacts, bring them along to update the prescription or assess how well they’re working.

Talk to your child about what to expect
Explain the exam in a fun way. For younger kids, you can frame it as a simple game to "check how strong their eyes are" so they feel excited rather than nervous!

During the Appointment

When you’re at your appointment, the eye exam will cover various aspects of your child’s visual health.

Testing for visual acuity
This determines how clearly, they can see both near and far. Tools like eye charts help measure their clarity of vision.

Evaluate eye alignment and muscle coordination
The doctor will check how well the eyes work together. Misalignment can lead to conditions like amblyopia or double vision.

Screen for common conditions like myopia or astigmatism
With more kids spending hours on screens, digital eye strain and myopia are increasingly common. Early detection is crucial for effective management.

Ask about blue light protection
If your child spends time on tablets or laptops for school, inquire about glasses with blue light filters to ease strain and improve digital comfort.

After the Exam

The visit doesn’t stop at the eye exam! Make sure your child gets the most out of their new prescription.

Pick durable, school-appropriate glasses
Children are active, so invest in flexible, impact-resistant frames. Stanton Optical offers many affordable, kid-friendly designs to suit every style.

Choose the right lenses
Stanton Optical’s 2 for $79 offer includes polycarbonate scratch resistant lenses with UV protection for kids up to 18 years old. Ask about additional options, like high-index lenses or blue light filters, for added durability and comfort. You can always read up on lens features or ask your optometrist.

Teach your child glasses care
Show them how to clean their lenses and store glasses safely to prevent scratches or damage. Keeping them in a case when not in use is a good habit to form.

Encourage screen breaks
Teach your child the 20-20-20 rule to prevent digital eye strain. Every 20 minutes, they should look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

Schedule the next checkup
Eye exams are typically recommended once a year. Mark your calendar or set a reminder on your phone to stay on top of their eye health. If your child complains of any vision changes before the one-year mark, make sure to make an appointment to get their eyes checked.

Optional Extras

Want to go the extra mile? Consider these add-ons for optimal eye care:

Prescription sunglasses for outdoor UV protection.
Sports goggles if your child plays contact or high-impact sports.
Vision insurance review to see what costs are covered for exams or eyewear.

For more on how to care for your child’s vision and find flexible, affordable eyewear, check out Stanton Optical’s Eye Health Guide.

Keep Your Kids’ Vision Class-Ready

A great school year starts with clear vision! By following this checklist, you’ll help your child feel confident and prepared. For a trusted and affordable option, book your child’s eye exam with Stanton Optical today.

Have a mom friend who could use this checklist? Share the link and make sure every back-to-school checklist includes a visit to the eye doctor!

References:
Optometry Times – Looking at pediatric eye care through a holistic lens
Vision Monday – An Eye Exam Is a Critical Addition to Your Back-to-School Checklist