16 Jun Back to School Eye Exams in Hillsborough NJ: What Parents Need to Know
Summer is winding down, and if you’re checking off your back-to-school list — supplies, physicals, dental visits — don’t forget your child’s eyes. A comprehensive eye exam is one of the most important things you can do before the school year starts, and it’s one of the most commonly skipped.
Why Eye Exams Matter Before School Starts
Most classroom learning is visual. Reading, writing, looking at the board, and using a computer all depend on clear, comfortable vision. If your child is struggling to see — even slightly — it can affect their ability to focus, read, and keep up in class. Many children don’t complain because they assume everyone sees the way they do.
In fact, the American Optometric Association estimates that 1 in 4 school-age children has a vision problem. Many go undetected because school vision screenings, while helpful, are not a substitute for a full eye exam. They typically only test distance vision and miss conditions like farsightedness, eye teaming problems, and early myopia progression.
What a Back-to-School Eye Exam Includes
At Amwell Eye Care, a comprehensive pediatric eye exam goes well beyond reading letters off a chart. Dr. Adam Zhao checks for:
- Nearsightedness (myopia) — the most common vision problem in school-age children, and one that tends to worsen each year if not addressed
- Farsightedness (hyperopia) — can cause eye strain and headaches, especially during reading
- Astigmatism — blurred or distorted vision at any distance
- Lazy eye (amblyopia) — much easier to treat when caught early
- Eye teaming and focusing — how well both eyes work together, which directly impacts reading comfort and speed
- Eye health — checking the internal and external structures of the eye for any signs of disease or abnormality
When Should My Child Have an Eye Exam?
The AOA recommends children have their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months, again at age 3, and once more before starting kindergarten. After that, annual exams are recommended for school-age children — especially if your child wears glasses or contacts, or if myopia runs in the family.
If it’s been more than a year since your child’s last exam, before school starts is the ideal time to schedule one.
Signs Your Child May Have a Vision Problem
Children often don’t tell you when something’s off with their vision. Watch for:
- Squinting or tilting the head to see better
- Sitting very close to the TV or holding books too close
- Frequent headaches or eye rubbing
- Losing their place while reading, or skipping lines
- Complaints that reading is tiring or boring
- A drop in school performance without an obvious cause
Any of these signs are a reason to schedule an exam sooner rather than later.
What About Myopia — Should I Be Concerned?
If your child has been diagnosed with nearsightedness, or if you’ve noticed their prescription getting stronger each year, it’s worth asking about myopia management. Dr. Zhao offers evidence-based options — including Ortho-K, MiSight contact lenses, and low-dose atropine — that are designed to slow the progression of myopia in children, not just correct it.
Early intervention makes a real difference. Children who start myopia management sooner tend to end up with lower prescriptions as adults, which reduces their long-term risk of serious eye conditions like retinal detachment and glaucoma.
Does Insurance Cover Back-to-School Eye Exams?
Most vision insurance plans cover one comprehensive eye exam per year. Many medical insurance plans also cover eye exams for children, particularly if there’s a medical diagnosis involved. If you’re unsure about your coverage, our team is happy to help you check before your appointment.
Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam in Hillsborough, NJ
Amwell Eye Care serves families throughout Hillsborough, Somerville, Bridgewater, Manville, and the surrounding Somerset County area. Dr. Adam Zhao provides thorough, patient-friendly eye exams for children of all ages — from toddlers to teens.
Don’t wait until the school year is already underway. Appointments fill up quickly in August. Schedule your child’s back-to-school eye exam today.
