As the back-to-school season approaches, parents are busy gathering supplies, organizing schedules, and preparing their kids for the year ahead. However, one crucial task that often gets overlooked is scheduling an eye exam.  

If you’re looking for a trusted pediatric eye doctor near you, TrueVision Eye Care offers personalized, comprehensive care in a welcoming, family-friendly environment. Our pediatric eye exams in Raleigh and Morrisville can detect vision problems that school screenings often overlook, ensuring your child gets the care they need to succeed. 

Read on to learn why back-to-school eye exams matter, how often kids should see an eye doctor, and what signs may point to a vision problem. 

Why back-to-school eye exams matter 

Children rely on their vision for reading, writing, digital learning, sports, and staying focused in class. Research shows that up to 80% of classroom learning is visual. Yet, vision problems in children often go unnoticed. 

One in four children in the U.S. has a vision issue that requires a diagnosis and treatment. These issues aren’t always obvious; many kids adapt to blurry or double vision without realizing something’s wrong. A comprehensive eye exam with a qualified optometrist is the best way to detect and treat these problems early. 

School vision screenings vs. pediatric eye exams: what’s the difference? 

School vision screenings are helpful but have limitations. These quick checks typically only test distance vision and often miss more complex issues like eye teaming, focusing, or visual processing delays.  

Here’s how they compare to comprehensive eye exams: 

School vision screening 

• Brief, limited testing 
• May miss issues with eye coordination or tracking 
• Usually administered by a school nurse or volunteer 

Comprehensive pediatric eye exam 

• An in-depth evaluation by a licensed optometrist 
• Tests near and distance vision, eye teaming, and more 
• Screens for conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), and convergence insufficiency 

At TrueVision Eye Care, we tailor each exam to your child’s age, needs, and risk factors to ensure no detail is missed. 

Warning signs your child may be struggling with their vision 

Your child might not complain about their vision, but they could still be struggling. Children often assume everyone sees the world the way they do and don’t speak up about problems.  

Keep an eye out for these common signs of vision problems in children: 

• Squinting or tilting the head 
• Holding books or screens too close 
• Frequent headaches or eye rubbing 
• Avoiding reading or homework 
• Losing their place when reading 
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Falling behind in school 
• Eye turning in or out 

If you notice any of these behaviors, it’s important to schedule an eye exam to rule out vision-related causes. 

How often should kids get their eyes checked? 

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), children should see an eye doctor regularly starting in infancy: 

• 6–12 months: Your child’s first eye exam to catch early issues 
• 3–5 years: Check visual development and eye alignment 
• Before first grade: Ensure visual readiness for school 
• School-age kids: Every two years if no vision correction is needed; annually if they wear glasses or contact lenses 

Children with risk factors like a family history of eye problems, developmental delays, or premature birth may require more frequent visits.  

Why choose TrueVision Eye Care for your child? 

Families in Raleigh, Morrisville, and the surrounding areas trust us to care for their children’s eyes with attention, compassion, and expertise. Here’s what sets us apart: 

Kid-friendly, personalized care

We prioritize your child’s comfort and take time to understand their unique needs. Our team delivers clear, supportive care in a calm, kid-friendly setting. 

Eyewear they’re sure to love 

If your child needs glasses, we offer a wide selection of children’s eyewear that’s both durable and stylish. 

Thorough pediatric exams

We go beyond basic screenings to evaluate how your child’s eyes focus, move, and work together. 

Myopia management 

If your child is nearsighted, we offer myopia management at both of our locations. This custom treatment program helps slow myopia progression and reduces the likelihood of more serious eye conditions in the future. 

Specialty pediatric care 

Our Raleigh office provides advanced services like vision therapy, sports vision training, and syntonics to support visual development and performance. 

Convenient locations near you

We serve families at two convenient locations: 

• TrueVision Eye Care in Raleigh: Our Raleigh location is conveniently situated near several top-rated schools, including Brassfield Elementary School, North Ridge Elementary School, and Millbrook High School. We’re just minutes from school drop-off or pick-up, making it easy to schedule your child’s appointment. 

• TrueVision Eye Care in Morrisville: Our Morrisville office is also ideally located near local schools such as Parkside Elementary School, Morrisville Elementary School, and Panther Creek High School. Whether you’re heading to or from school, fitting in an eye exam is simple and stress-free. 

Schedule your child’s back-to-school eye exam before school starts 

Don’t let undiagnosed vision issues hold your child back this school year. Schedule a back-to-school eye exam today and make sure they have the visual skills they need to succeed. 

Appointments fill quickly this time of year. To schedule an appointment, call our Raleigh or Morrisville office or use our online appointment scheduler.