Are Your Little One’s Eyes Ready for the New School Year?

As the new school year approaches, parents are busy ticking off their back-to-school checklists, from uniforms and stationery to backpacks and lunchboxes. But there’s one essential area that can often be overlooked: your child’s vision.

Good eyesight plays a vital role in learning, confidence, and classroom performance. If your child is struggling to see the board clearly, finding reading difficult, or frequently experiencing headaches, it can sometimes be mistaken for a lack of focus when it could be an undetected vision problem.

That’s why a back to school eye exam should be at the top of your checklist. At Martyn Kemp Opticians, we understand how important good vision is during these key early years. Read on to discover why children’s eye exams are so important, the signs to look out for, and how you can support your child’s eye health.

Why Children's Eye Health Matters

Up to 80% of classroom learning is visual, meaning clear eyesight is essential for:

• Reading books and worksheets
• Seeing whiteboard or digital screens
• Handwriting and copying accurately
• Maintaining focus and reducing eye strain
• Building confidence and socialising with peers

Even minor, undetected vision problems can affect a child’s learning, confidence, and overall development.

Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Exam

Children don’t always realise they’re not seeing clearly, after all, what they see is what they know. Keep an eye out for these common signs:

• Squinting or sitting very close to the TV, screens, or books
• Frequent headaches or tired eyes
• Difficulty concentrating on reading tasks
• Eyes not pointing in the same direction
• Rubbing their eyes often or complaining of discomfort
• Avoiding homework or reading activities
• Difficulty with coordination during sports or physical activities

If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to book a professional eye exam.

Back to School Eyecare Checklist

Before the new school term begins, make sure you’ve covered these important steps:

Book a comprehensive eye exam

Check that your child’s spectacle prescription is up to date

Ensure they have comfortable, durable frames if they need glasses

Consider having a spare pair of specs

Ask about lens options such as anti-glare or blue light filtering lenses

Teach your child to care for their glasses properly

A routine eye exam is quick, painless, and can make a significant difference to your children’s learning, confidence, and development.

Making Eye Health Part of the Routine

Just like dental checkups, eye exams should be a regular part of your child’s healthcare routine. Many children benefit from having their eyes checked regularly throughout their school years to help identify any changes in their vision early. 

Building this habit early helps support:

• Early detection of vision problems
• Better academic performance and development
• Greater confidence both in and out of the classroom

How We Can Help

At Martyn Kemp Opticians, children’s eye health is a priority all year round, especially during the back to school season.

Our experienced team provides thorough eye exams tailored to young patients, helping to identify any vision concerns early and ensuring your child has the visual support they need to feel confident and ready for the classroom.

An eye exam today could make all the difference to your child’s experience in the new school year, giving them the confidence to see clearly, learn effectively, and thrive.

Start the school year with clear vision. Book your child’s eye exam online or contact your local Martyn Kemp Opticians practice today.