Why A Once-A-Year Eye Exam Is Important

This post is sponsored by Visionworks

Last year, when my daughter was just starting sixth grade, she was complaining that she couldn’t see the board at school. I told her to sit closer. She often exaggerates things, so I usually wait to see if she’s going to mention something again before I take it too seriously. Plus, she gets a vision screening at her annual pediatrician’s appointment. I thought that was sufficient.

The board complaints didn’t stop, though. And when she said she couldn’t see what was on TV, I knew she wasn’t messing around! So I took her to get her eyes examined, and yup, she needed glasses. It turns out that those screening I’d been relying on usually miss about 60% of undiagnosed vision problems.

Kids should start getting their vision checked by an optometrist or ophthalmologist when they’re between three and six years old. These eye exams usually take only half an hour.

I know from my own middle-aged-eyes experience that vision keeps changing, so when she started seventh grade last month it was time for another eye check. Kids should get checked every year. Back-to-school time is a great time to do it, to ensure that your child can see the board and everything else she needs to start the school year off right!

We went to a Visionworks in Brooklyn. You can make an appointment at your local Visionworks here.

They had an impressive range of shapes and colors.

There was a quiet, comfortable waiting room, but Fiona wanted to start looking for glasses right away – she was sure that her vision had shifted since last year and she knew that she needed a new prescription.

After I filled out a form, Fiona had a pre-exam with a licensed optician.

Then she was seen by the doctor. (Both of these men were extremely nice and professional – and camera shy!!)

After her exam she went back to looking at glasses. Vonetta, the store’s general manager (and also a licensed optician), gave her a tray to keep her choices in so that they wouldn’t get mixed up with the other customers’ glasses.

Then Fiona sat down to try her choices on.

There was one pair she liked the most, but didn’t love. She thought that the shape was good for her face, but that the rims were too thick.

Vonetta searched through the glasses until she found something perfect! A colorful pair (very on-trend this year, apparently) that Fiona adored. Vonetta made sure that they fit.

Once Fiona had made her choice, Nicole (another licensed optician) took pupilary distance measurements.

And that was it! We just had to wait for Fiona’s glasses to come in. We were told that could take up to two weeks, but they were ready in less that a week.

We went back in to pick them up and make sure they fit.

Fiona loves them, especially the cute case.

I was very impressed with Visionworks. They take most vision insurance plans, and you can also use your Flexible Spending Account dollars.

I also love that they are giving away 10,000 vouchers to kids who can’t afford vision care. Each voucher is good for an eye exam and a complete pair of glasses (frames and lenses). If you know someone who needs this, you can find more information here.

When you can’t see, it’s hard to get things done. Fiona wears her glasses pretty much all day. Since she’s nearsighted, the doctor said that she really only needs to take them off when she’s at a computer or reading a book or something else where what she’s trying to see is very close to her face. Otherwise, her glasses help her see street signs on her commute, the TV up on the wall when she’s home, and the board at school. No more complaints!

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