In about a month, kids around the country will be strapping on their backpacks and heading back to the classroom. For many kids, this will be their first time in a regular interactive classroom in over a year.
If your child has gone through Zoom or other online school option in the past year, it’s likely that they went without many of the regular health screenings typically provided by the school system. If your child hasn’t had a vision screening in the past year, it’s a smart move to make an appointment with your local eye doctor.
Why COVID-19 Allowed Kids’ Vision Problems To Go Unnoticed
One of the most common ways that teachers and parents discover vision issues is when children struggle to see the board at the front of the room. Teachers may also notice students holding their book closer to their face, or squinting to make out the faces of their friends. Often, noticing these issues prompts teachers to ask the school nurse for a vision screening for the child in question. The school nurse can then give the parent a call to let them know whether their child needs a professional eye exam to get a corrective lens prescription.
In virtual school, these things are non-issues, and it’s less likely that a child’s declining vision will be noticed by parents and teachers. This means that a child’s vision could decline for a year or more, unnoticed.
For many kids, returning to regular school will take a bit of an adjustment period. Struggling to see the teacher and the materials at the front of the room can make the return to the classroom even tougher.
If Your Child Already Wears Glasses, Schedule A Prescription Check
If your child already wears glasses or contact lenses, the summer is the perfect time to bring them to the eye doctor to ensure that their prescription hasn’t changed. When your child returns to school at the end of summer, you’ll want to be sure that they’re able to see clearly when they return.
Reach Out To Your Eye Doctor Today
Your local eye doctor can provide your child with a full vision screening and discuss corrective lens options with you. Be sure to leave plenty of time between your child’s vision exam and the first day of school, as it can take some time for your child’s prescription glasses to be created.
