Clear Vision, Strong Start: Why a Back-to-School Eye Exam Matters

04/08/2025

Every year, as school supplies are packed, shoes are polished, and uniforms are labeled, one critical item often goes missing from the checklist a comprehensive eye exam. While most parents prioritize academic materials, healthy vision is the foundation that allows children to succeed in every subject.

At Barraquer Eye Hospital UAE, we believe a child’s school readiness starts with their eyesight. A quick annual visit to the pediatric eye doctor can uncover vision problems that, if left undetected, may impact a child’s ability to learn, participate in class, and feel confident among peers.

Why Children's Vision Should Be a Priority

Children rarely realize they have a vision problem. They adapt quickly. They squint, sit closer to the screen, avoid reading, or lose focus easily. Over time, these behaviors can be mistaken for learning difficulties or attention disorders. In reality, many of these challenges stem from an undiagnosed eye issue.

At Barraquer UAE, our pediatric ophthalmologists frequently diagnose and treat:

Refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism
Amblyopia (lazy eye), which can lead to permanent vision loss if untreated
Strabismus, a condition where the eyes are misaligned
Convergence insufficiency, affecting the ability to read or focus on near objects

When these conditions are caught early, they can be corrected with glasses, vision therapy, or minor interventions often preventing long-term visual and academic challenges.

The Link Between Vision and Learning

According to global research, around 80 percent of classroom learning is visual. Children need to clearly see the board, read printed text, follow along on screens, and process fast-paced visual input in games and activities.

Children with uncorrected vision problems may:

Avoid reading and lose interest in books
Struggle to copy notes accurately
Complain of headaches or eye strain
Be misdiagnosed with behavioral issues
Experience low self-esteem due to classroom struggles

By ensuring your child’s eyes are healthy, you are giving them a better shot at academic and emotional success.

What Happens During a Pediatric Eye Exam?

At Barraquer UAE, we’ve designed our pediatric clinic with children’s comfort in mind. Our approach is gentle, friendly, and based on international standards for pediatric eye care.

A standard back-to-school eye check includes:

Visual acuity tests for each eye
Eye alignment and coordination assessment
Dilated eye exam to evaluate the internal structures of the eye
Color vision and depth perception tests, when necessary
Discussion of screen time and advice on digital eye strain prevention

We take our time to ensure your child feels safe and relaxed. Our experienced team knows how to build trust and cooperation, even with young or nervous patients.

When Should Kids Have Their Eye Exam?

Children should have their first comprehensive eye exam before the age of three. Even if no issues are found, it is essential to schedule the next check before starting school. After that, an annual exam is highly recommended to monitor for developmental or environmental changes that may affect eyesight.

If your child wears glasses or has a family history of vision disorders, more frequent monitoring may be advised.

Watch Out for These Warning Signs

Even if your child has passed school vision screenings, keep an eye out for these behaviors:

Frequent rubbing of the eyes
Headaches, especially after using digital devices
Squinting or covering one eye
Holding screens or books too close
Complaints of blurry or double vision
Avoiding reading, puzzles, or homework

These are often the first signs that a child is struggling to see clearly.

Digital Screens and Today’s Classroom

In today’s tech-forward schools, children are exposed to more screen time than ever. Tablets, smart boards, and laptops are part of everyday learning. While they offer tremendous advantages, they also increase the risk of digital eye strain.

Our team offers practical advice for managing screen time, improving posture, and using the 20-20-20 rule to protect vision during study sessions.

Why Choose Barraquer UAE for Pediatric Eye Care?

Barraquer Eye Hospital UAE is a trusted name in advanced eye care, with a dedicated pediatric unit that caters to children of all ages. Our European-trained ophthalmologists use cutting-edge technology and evidence-based treatments to provide top-tier care for your child’s developing vision.

We offer:

Specialized diagnostics tailored for children
Personalized treatment plans for all pediatric eye conditions
Multilingual staff and child-friendly facilities
A holistic approach that considers vision, learning, and emotional health

Whether your child needs their first eye test or ongoing care for a condition like amblyopia or strabismus, our team is here to support every step.

Start the school year with clarity and confidence. Book your child’s back-to-school eye exam today.

Schedule a Consultation Today

For consultation, please contact us:

Email: appointments@barraquer.ae
Phone (Outside the UAE): +971 4 573 9999
Toll-Free (Within the UAE): 800 234823 (BEHUAE)
Availability: 7 days a week, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Extended hours on Thursdays until 8:00 PM

Our team will be pleased to assist you.