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Why A Once-A-Year Eye Exam Is Important

October 24, 2016 By Amy Oztan 2 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links.
If you buy something from one of the linked sites you won’t pay anything more, but I might make a commission.

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.

Visionworks - my daughter looking at glasses

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.

Visionworks - my daughter looking for glasses next to waiting room

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

Visionworks - my daughter getting her eyes examined

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

Visionworks - my daughter getting her eyes examined 2

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.

Visionworks - my daughter choosing her glasses

Then Fiona sat down to try her choices on.

Visionworks - my daughter looking in mirror

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.

Visionworks - my daughter choosing her glasses 2

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.

Visionworks - general manager Vonetta helping my daughter with her glasses

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

Visionworks - licensed optician Nicole measuring pulilary distance

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.

Visionworks - my daughter picking up her new glasses

Fiona loves them, especially the cute case.

Visionworks - my daughter's new glasses

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.

Visionworks - my daughter leaving for school

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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I used to think that the vision screening my kids get at their pediatrician's office every year was sufficient. I was wrong! Here's why your children (and you!) should get an eye exam every year.

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: glasses, health, Kids, Kids, Sponsored Posts

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Comments

  1. Tyler Johnson says

    March 25, 2019 at 2:31 pm

    I didn’t know that kids should get an eye exam every year. So far I only have had them take the ones at school. Maybe I’ll have to take them in to see if they need glasses since it sounds like your vision can change within a year.

    Reply
    • Amy Oztan says

      March 26, 2019 at 10:38 pm

      I know it’s definitely been true for my daughter (and myself).

      Reply

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About Amy

Amy Oztan, blogger at AmyEverAfter.com

Amy is a blogger, podcaster, freelance writer, baker, and singer living in Brooklyn.[Read more…]

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