As parents prepare their children for preschool, they often focus on choosing the right classroom, teachers, and learning environment. One important step that is sometimes overlooked is making sure your child’s vision is ready for school. A comprehensive eye exam before and during the preschool years can help identify vision problems early and ensure your child is set up for success in the classroom.

Vision plays a major role in how young children learn and interact with the world around them. According to the American Optometric Association, “Vision screenings are a limited process and can’t be used to diagnose an eye or vision problem, but rather may indicate a potential need for further evaluation. They may miss as many as 60% of children with vision problems. Even if a vision screening does not identify a possible vision problem, a child may still have one.” Because many vision issues are not obvious, children may not realize they are seeing differently than others.

Vision Plays a Key Role in Early Learning

During preschool years, children develop critical visual skills that help them learn and grow. In fact, experts estimate that up to 80% of learning in a child’s early years is visual.

Preschoolers rely on their vision to develop:

• Eye-hand coordination
• Fine motor skills used for drawing and writing
• Visual tracking and focusing skills
• Visual perception needed for reading readiness

If a child cannot see clearly or struggles with how their eyes work together, it may lead to difficulties with reading, concentration, coordination, and even social interactions.

Research also shows:

• 60% of children with reading difficulties have an undiagnosed vision problem.
• Children with untreated vision issues are three times more likely to fall behind in school.

Identifying and treating these problems early can make a significant difference in your child’s confidence and academic success.

Vision Screenings vs. Comprehensive Eye Exams

Many preschools perform basic vision screenings as part of their enrollment process. While these screenings can be helpful, they are not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam.

A basic screening usually checks visual clarity using an eye chart. This can detect issues like nearsightedness or farsightedness but may miss other common problems.

A comprehensive eye exam evaluates much more, including:

• Visual acuity (how clearly your child sees)
• Eye movement and tracking
• How the eyes work together (binocular vision)
• Focusing ability
• Color vision
• Overall eye health and internal eye structures

These detailed tests allow eye doctors to detect vision issues that screenings may overlook.

Making Eye Exams Comfortable and Fun for Children

At Bissell Eye Care, we understand that young children may feel nervous during their first eye exam. That’s why our exams are designed to be engaging and comfortable.

For children who are not yet reading letters, we use shapes and colors instead of traditional eye charts. We also use fun tools like puppets and special lights to keep children relaxed while we check their vision.

During the exam, we evaluate:

• How the eyes track and move together
• Signs of significant nearsightedness or farsightedness
• Overall eye health and development

Our goal is to make the experience positive while ensuring your child’s vision is developing properly.

Set Your Child Up for Success

Regular eye exams are an important part of preparing your child for preschool and beyond. Detecting vision problems early allows for timely treatment and helps ensure your child has the visual skills needed to learn, play, and grow with confidence.

To learn more or schedule your child’s eye exam, contact Bissell Eye Care at 724-443-6767 or 724-226-0444.

You can also follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/BissellEyes for more helpful eye care tips and updates.

About Bissell Eye Care: John D. Bissell, OD, is the owner of Bissell Eye Care, proudly serving the Northern Pittsburgh and Alle-Kiski Valley regions. Dr. Bissell has received advanced training through the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists, enabling him to help patients living with vision impairment and low vision challenges. With two convenient office locations and evening appointments available, Bissell Eye Care offers comprehensive eye exams for the entire family—starting as young as six months. Our services include ocular disease detection and treatment, prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses, specialty activewear eyewear, contact lenses, and dedicated low vision evaluations for those with significant vision impairment and vision loss. We accept most vision and health insurance plans. To learn more, visit bisselleyecare.com or call our Bakerstown office at 724-443-6767 or our Natrona Heights office at 724-226-0444.