School Vision Screenings Are Not Enough
By Dr. Lauretta, Millennium Eye Center – Orlando, FL
Many parents assume that a school vision screening is all their child needs to ensure healthy eyesight. While these screenings are helpful, they are not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam. At Millennium Eye Center, we want families to understand the difference—and why full exams matter.
What School Screenings Actually Check
School vision screenings typically involve reading letters from a chart at a distance. This can detect some basic issues like nearsightedness, but it does not evaluate:
- How well the eyes work together
- Focusing ability at different distances
- Depth perception and color vision
- Overall eye health
These screenings are quick and limited. Many children pass them even though they have vision problems that affect learning and behavior.
Why Comprehensive Eye Exams Matter
A full eye exam with Dr. Lauretta includes:
- Testing vision at multiple distances
- Checking how the eyes track and coordinate
- Evaluating eye health with specialized equipment
- Identifying conditions like farsightedness, astigmatism, and more
These exams are especially important for children, who may not realize their vision is impaired or know how to describe what they’re experiencing.
What’s at Risk Without a Full Exam
Undiagnosed vision problems can lead to:
- Difficulty reading or concentrating
- Headaches and eye strain
- Poor academic performance
- Misdiagnosis of attention or behavioral issues
A comprehensive eye exam can uncover these issues early and provide solutions—often as simple as a pair of glasses.
What Parents Should Do
Dr. Lauretta recommends:
- Scheduling a full eye exam before each school year
- Watching for signs like squinting, headaches, or sitting too close to screens
- Making eye care part of your child’s regular health routine
Your Partner in Eye Health
Millennium Eye Center is a leading provider of comprehensive eye care in the Orlando area. Our experienced team of optometrists can help you manage your astigmatism and achieve optimal eye health.
Whether the best choice is glasses, contacts, or other treatment, we understand that the optimal vision correction solution is one that’s tailored to each patient. To schedule an appointment with our Eye Expert, Dr. Lauretta Justin, click HERE or text us at 407-292-9812.
[BOOK YOUR EYE EXAM HERE]
Thank you for choosing us as your family’s partners in lifelong vision health. We treasure the trust you place in our practice!
Top image used is a License-free image from Pixabay.
Disclaimer: The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
