Your Guide to Back-to-School Eye Exams at Erker’s

Struggling to see the board. Squinting at books. Complaints about headaches. These are the kinds of vision problems that can quietly interfere with how kids learn. Often, they go unnoticed until school is already underway.

At Erker’s, we make it easy to stay one step ahead. Our kid-friendly exams check for more than just blurry vision. We help your child start the school year with clear sight so they can focus in class and participate fully.

Why Children Need Annual Eye Exams

As children grow, their eyes do too. That means vision can change quickly. Even if they passed a school screening, they might still have issues like farsightedness, eye teaming problems, or mild astigmatism that impact learning.

A full eye exam at Erker’s checks for all of these. Our optometrists evaluate the entire visual system, including clarity, focus, and signs of conditions like myopia.
The American Optometric Association recommends annual exams for school-aged children. A first exam should happen between ages three and five to set a healthy visual baseline. Early exams catch vision issues before they impact reading, coordination, or depth perception.

What to Expect at a Pediatric Eye Exam

We make the exam process simple and comfortable. Our staff has training to work with kids and explain each step clearly.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • A review of your child’s vision and health history
  • Visual acuity testing using age-appropriate charts
  • Eye movement and focusing tests
  • Eye teaming and depth perception checks
  • A full evaluation of eye health

If your child needs glasses, we’ll guide you through everything from frame fit to lens options.

Signs Your Child Might Need Glasses

Kids don’t always know when their vision is off. That’s why it’s often parents or teachers who notice vision changes first.
If your child shows any of the following behaviors, it could be time for an eye exam:

  • Squinting to see far away
  • Holding books or tablets close
  • Complaining of headaches
  • Covering one eye while reading
  • Poor hand-eye coordination
  • Tilting their head to focus

These behaviors often point to vision changes. Addressing them early can improve learning and reduce frustration.

Glasses, Contact Lenses, and What Comes Next

If your child needs glasses, our team helps them choose frames that are durable, comfortable, and fit their personality. We offer a range of kid-friendly designs built to last.

For older kids or teens, we’ll help determine if contacts are the right fit. We’ll talk through what works best for your child’s prescription, age, and maturity level.

Already know they need an updated prescription? We’ll help you review insurance, FSA options, and coverage so you get the most value from your visit.

Affordable Pediatric Eye Exams at Erker’s

We know back-to-school costs can add up quickly. That’s why we keep exam pricing competitive and help you use your vision benefits or FSA dollars whenever possible.

Many families don’t realize that exams and glasses often qualify as eligible expenses. Ask our team how to apply your benefits.

At Erker’s, we believe every child deserves clear vision. That belief is the foundation of how we structure our exams and patient experience.