New backpacks, fresh notebooks, and sharpened pencils—it’s that exciting time of year again. But there’s one more item that often gets left off the back-to-school checklist: an eye exam. Children might not realize their vision is blurry, or they might think what they’re seeing is normal.
At Advanced Eye Care Services in State College, our eye doctors use state-of-the-art technology to catch subtle vision issues early. We make pediatric eye exams simple and stress-free.
5 Reasons Back-to-School Eye Exams are Important
Before the school bell rings, it’s worth taking a moment to think beyond new sneakers and sharpened pencils. Vision is one of the most important tools your child brings into the classroom. Here are the top reasons to bring your child for a comprehensive eye exam at Advanced Eye Care Services.
Vision Problems Aren’t Always Obvious
School-age children rarely complain about vision issues because they may not realize their vision is unclear. They might compensate for uncorrected vision problems by squinting or sitting closer to the board—but these signs are easy to miss. A routine exam helps catch issues like myopia or astigmatism early.
Schoolwork Relies Heavily on Good Vision
Whether it’s reading small print, copying from the board, or navigating digital devices, vision plays a huge role in academic performance. Even minor eye strain can impact focus, cause headaches, or make learning more difficult than it needs to be.
Behavioral Concerns May Be Vision-Related
Sometimes, what looks like a learning or attention issue may be a vision problem in disguise. Difficulty concentrating, avoiding reading, or acting out in class can all stem from undiagnosed visual challenges.
Annual Checkups Catch Changes in Vision
Children’s eyes change rapidly. What worked for them last year may not be working now. A yearly eye exam helps keep their prescription up to date and ensures their vision is working as it should during these key developmental years.
It Supports Their Confidence
Struggling to see can chip away at a child’s confidence. Whether they’re misreading instructions or missing out on visual cues from teachers and classmates, untreated vision issues can make school feel frustrated. Seeing clearly helps them feel capable, comfortable, and confident in the classroom.
What to Expect from a Back-to-School Eye Exam at Advanced Eye Care Services
Our exams go beyond basic vision screenings—they include a thorough check of eye movement, focus, coordination, and overall eye health. Our optometric team can quickly spot concerns that basic school screenings might miss. Here’s what you and your child can expect during a visit:
- A welcoming, child-friendly environment where your child feels comfortable and cared for
- A review of your child’s health and vision history to guide a personalized exam
- Visual acuity testing to check how clearly your child sees at different distances
- Eye teaming and tracking evaluations to assess how well your child's eyes work together for reading and learning
- A detailed eye health assessment using advanced diagnostic tools to check for early signs of eye conditions
- Prescription checks to ensure your child’s vision is sharp and school-ready
- Expert guidance on glasses or contact lenses if needed, with help choosing from our kid-friendly frame selection
We also take the time to explain everything to you and your child in a way that’s easy to understand. Our goal is to make vision care something your child feels good about—and something you can feel confident in.
Start the School Year Strong with an Eye Exam in State College, PA
Back-to-school prep isn’t just about supplies—it’s about setting your child up for academic success. At Advanced Eye Care Services, we offer comfortable eye exams designed specifically for children, with expert care you can trust.
Whether your child is entering kindergarten or heading into high school, we’re here to support their vision so they can stay focused, confident, and ready to learn. Schedule their eye exam and make this their clearest school year yet.