Is a School or Pediatrician Vision Screening Enough?
Vision screenings aren’t a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam—they cover less than 4% of what an eye doctor assesses during a full exam, and miss diagnosing up to 75% of children with vision problems. Vision problems can involve issues with eye alignment, focusing ability, ocular health, and more, which a basic screening might miss.
Here’s what you might notice:
Squinting to see distant objects like the board at school or TV at home could indicate a need for glasses.
Eye rubbing might signal vision or health problems, and excessive rubbing can sometimes lead to a condition called Keratoconus.
Preferring one eye by closing the other or turning the head can be a sign of amblyopia, or "lazy eye."
Difficulty focusing up close when reading or using digital devices may lead to eye strain, headaches, or affect school performance.
Vision screenings don’t assess binocular vision disorders, which are common and can impact a child’s development. These include:
Difficulty focusing on close-up objects.
Inability to align the eyes properly for near targets.
What our Doctors do during a Child’s Eye Exam:
- Check fixation, eye alignment, and ocular movements.
- Use light and lenses to determine if glasses are needed to improve clarity or prevent amblyopia.
- Retinal photos to assess the internal health of the eyes.
A comprehensive eye exam ensures your child’s eyes are healthy, their vision is clear, and they’re set up for success!
