Can your child see the board? Six signs to watch for before the next school term

Children almost never say "I cannot see." They do not know what normal vision looks like, so they assume everyone sees the way they do. A child who struggles with the board might simply look distracted, or slow, or restless. That is why it falls to parents and teachers to spot the signs.

1. Squinting or narrowing the eyes

Squinting is a child's own way of sharpening a blurry image. If you notice it when they look at the TV, the board or a far wall, take it seriously.

2. Sitting very close to screens or books

A child who keeps moving closer to the TV, holds a phone inches from their face, or leans into a book may be compensating for blur at one distance. Closer is not a habit that needs correcting. It is information.

3. Headaches or tired eyes after school

Frequent headaches after reading or schoolwork can come from eyes that work too hard to focus. Headaches have many causes, so they do not prove a vision problem. They are a good reason to get an exam.

4. Rubbing eyes, blinking a lot or tilting the head

These can be signs that the child is trying to get a clearer or more comfortable view. A head tilt can also point to eyes that are not working well together. Mention it to the optometrist.

5. Losing their place or avoiding reading

A child who skips lines, uses a finger to track, or avoids reading may be having trouble seeing the text, not trouble with the words. It is worth ruling out vision first.

6. Grades or behavior changing for no clear reason

When a child who used to keep up starts falling behind, or becomes restless in class, vision is one of several things to check. A teacher who says "they cannot copy from the board" is giving you a useful clue.

What an exam can tell you

A child's exam looks at how clearly each eye sees, how the eyes work together, and the health of the eye. It tells you whether a prescription is needed and which kind. If your child's grade is climbing from one visit to the next, the optometrist will talk to you about whether myopia control is appropriate. That is a clinical decision, made in the exam room.

Do not wait for a school screening

School screenings can flag a problem, but they are not a full exam. If you see any of these signs, or if it has been a year or two since your child was last examined, book a visit before the new term starts and not after the first report card.

Book your Vision7 exam

Book a Vision7 eye test at your nearest Vision Express store. The seven-step exam gives your child a full picture of their vision, from case history to diagnosis and management, and gives you clear answers. Then ask for Opulens Advanced 1.60 at the counter. It is in stock and ready in 20 minutes, which helps when a new term is days away, and it is our everyday lens for children. Every pair comes with a 1-year warranty, free lifetime ultrasonic cleaning, and free lifetime custom fitting and adjustment. If your child outgrows or bends the frame, bring it in. Adjustments are free.