As the school year approaches, ensuring your child’s vision is in top shape is essential for their academic success and overall well-being. As we enter National Eye Exam Month, it’s a good reminder that regular vision checks are important for the entire family to catch any potential issues early, especially for children.

Children may find it hard to express themselves when experiencing vision issues, while most adults can gauge when their vision is not up to par.

Here are signs parents and caregivers can watch for:

• Frequent squinting
• Sitting close to the television or computer screen
• Holding reading materials close to their face
• Complaints of headaches or eye strain
• Rubbing eyes frequently
• Difficulty concentrating on schoolwork
• Poor hand-eye coordination

If you notice one or more of these signs, speak to your health care practitioner. UHC Plan members can also use the free Transocean NurseLine benefit to help determine if it’s worth an immediate visit.

Vision’s impact on learning

Poor vision can negatively impact learning; a large percentage of classroom activities rely on visual input and about 80% of all learning comes through the visual pathways. Having difficulties seeing in a learning environment can lead to problems with reading, writing, and class participation, potentially resulting in lower grades and decreased confidence.

Frustration in children can arise from an inability to see clearly which can cause inattentiveness and behavioral issues.

The importance of the wellness exam

Fortunately, the Vision Plan available as part of your Transocean Benefits cover preventative care and wellness checks that include regular vision examinations. These exams are quick, painless, and essential for identifying any vision problems that might hinder your child’s learning and development. Here’s what you can expect from a typical, general vision wellness exam:

• Visual acuity test that measures how well your child can see at various distances.
• Eye alignment and movement test to check how well the eyes work together.
• Eye health evaluation that assesses overall eye health, checking for signs of disease or other issues.

If your health practitioner determines glasses or contacts are necessary, they will also perform what’s known as a refraction test to determine the appropriate prescription.

Letting your child know what they can expect prior to the exam can help put them at ease about the visit.

Don’t put it off!

By scheduling regular vision checks, you can help ensure your family, and especially your children, are well-prepared to tackle the new school year with confidence. Make appointments now so that you can all start the school season with a clear path to both academic performance and personal enjoyment. Contact VSP at 1 800 877 7195 to find a provider near you.

‍