Between school supplies, physicals, and schedules, it's easy for vision care to slip through the cracks. Here's a simple checklist to make sure your child starts the school year seeing clearly.

1. Confirm Whether an Exam Is Required

If your child is entering kindergarten or enrolling in an Illinois school for the first time, a comprehensive eye exam is required by law. Check with your school for their specific documentation deadline.

2. Schedule the Exam Early

Back-to-school season fills up fast for every provider — pediatricians, dentists, and eye doctors alike. Booking a few weeks before school starts gives you room to address anything that comes up (like a new glasses prescription) before the first day.

3. Watch for These Signs at Home

Even if an exam isn't required for your child's grade, keep an eye out for:

• Sitting close to the TV or holding devices close to their face
• Squinting or tilting their head to see
• Complaints of headaches or eye strain, especially after reading
• Avoiding reading or homework that requires close focus
• Losing their place while reading

Any of these can be a sign it's time for a full eye exam.

4. Update Prescriptions and Eyewear

If your child already wears glasses or contacts, check that their prescription is current and that their glasses still fit comfortably — kids grow fast, and last year's frames may already be too small.

5. Talk About Eye Safety

If your child plays sports, make sure they have proper protective eyewear. And if they're using screens more for schoolwork this year, it's a good time to talk about healthy screen habits, like taking breaks every 20 minutes.

The Bottom Line

A few minutes of planning now can prevent a semester of squinting, headaches, or falling behind due to a vision problem no one caught. Cross "eye exam" off your back-to-school list before the first bell rings.

Ready to check vision off your back-to-school list? Schedule your child's eye exam with our team.