Back to School Eye Exams: What to Bring, How to Prepare, and Why They Matter
Is your child ready for a back-to-school eye exam in Fort Collins? Discover how early vision checks can boost learning, confidence, and classroom success this school year.
School eye exam season is a routine in our year, too. We love welcoming kids and parents into our office to check in on their vision, ensure they can see clearly in the classroom, and hear what kids look forward to as they “level up” into a new grade.
As parents and pediatric eye doctors ourselves, we’d love to share two perspectives with you:
- Why kids’ comprehensive eye exams are important from a vision care standpoint
- Tips for parents to help eye exam appointments go smoothly for your child.
Key Takeaways
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Back-to-school eye exams are essential for school readiness, helping identify vision issues that can mimic learning or behavioral challenges like ADHD.
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Undiagnosed vision problems often go unnoticed, but they can directly impact reading, confidence, and classroom performance.
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Parental preparation makes a difference: Use play, storytelling, and reassurance to ease exam anxiety and build excitement.
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Annual eye exams are crucial in growing children, as eyesight can change rapidly, even without obvious symptoms.
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Glasses can be empowering: Involve your child in choosing frames and use familiar media to help normalize the experience.
At Poudre Valley Eye Care, families secure two critical advantages through our comprehensive pediatric eye exams:
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School Registration Compliance: We complete vision forms for Poudre R-1, Thompson, and other Fort Collins school districts.
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Vision Clarity Assurance: Updating prescriptions to match growing children’s changing eyesight needs.
Beyond paperwork, these exams:
Prevent classroom struggles (blurry boards, headaches)
Boost academic confidence with a crisp vision
Transform eye health into a learning superpower
Because clear vision isn’t just a requirement – it’s your child’s academic foundation.
How Vision Problems Hurt Fort Collins Kids’ School Success
Decades of patient stories confirm a pattern: undiagnosed vision issues sabotage learning. Adults recall childhood struggles vanishing overnight with their first pair of glasses.
Why Early Detection Matters:
Our back-to-school exams in Fort Collins prevent:
Years of academic frustration
Confidence erosion from avoidable struggles
Misinterpreted learning challenges
8 Classroom Warning Signs:
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Academic: Difficulty reading, writing, or seeing boards
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Physical: Eye-covering, squinting, or gym class struggles
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Digital: Screen focus issues during tech-based lessons
Tip: These often mimic ADHD or dyslexia—rule out vision first!
The Transformation:
With customized correction from Poudre Valley EyeCare, Fort Collins students experience:
Instant relief from eye strain
“Lightbulb moments” in reading/sports
Renewed confidence in classrooms and playgrounds
Clear vision isn’t just sight—it’s unlocking potential.
Preparing Your Child for a Fort Collins Eye Exam
Whether your child feels excited or nervous about their first eye exam, these proven preparation strategies from our Poudre Valley EyeCare team ensure a positive experience:
So, how do you prepare your child for their exam? Here are our tips. We’re focusing on younger kids who are coming in for one of their first-ever appointments, but you can adapt these for older children, too.
1. Start the Conversation Early
Use positive language: “We’re going to play vision games with Dr. [Name]!”
Explain simply: “They’ll use special lights and pictures to see how amazing your eyes work.”
Reassure: “No shots or owies – and I’ll hold your hand the whole time!”
2. Create Familiarity
Drive-by intro: When near our Fort Collins clinic, say: “Look! That’s where we’ll help your eyes see super clearly!”
Meet virtually: Show your pediatric optometrist’s photo/video on our About Us page
Role-play: Pretend to check stuffed animals’ eyes with a flashlight
3. Frame as a Milestone
“Big kids get eye checkups before school, just like getting your new backpack!”
“Afterwards, we’ll celebrate with [local treat: e.g., Walrus Ice Cream]!”
Storytime & Play Prep: Fort Collins Edition
Transform anxiety into excitement with these engaging techniques from our Poudre Valley EyeCare team:
1. Media Magic for Fort Collins Kids
Daniel Tiger’s Eye Exam Episode: “Watch how Daniel stays calm!” (PBS Fort Collins)
Sesame Street “Eye Doctors Are Amazing”: Features anxiety-reducing songs
Local Library Picks: Grab Maisy Goes to the Eye Doctor at Poudre River Public Library
Social Stories: Download customizable templates from ChildMind Institute
2. Pretend Play Clinic at Home
DIY Vision Chart: Post sticky notes with letters/shapes on your fridge
“Spoon Test”: Practice covering eyes gently (no pressure!)
Role-Play Rotation:
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A child as a doctor checking your eyes
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Parent as an optometrist examining teddy
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Comfort toy as a “brave patient”
Pro Tip: When play reveals fears (“Time for shots!”), Calmly explain: “Our Fort Collins eye doctors only use light and pictures – no owies!”
Why This Works:
Builds familiarity with exam tools
Normalizes the process through repetition
Gives you insight to address hidden worries
Bonus: Snap photos of playtime – show our team during the real visit!
What to bring to your child’s eye exam
Before you head out the door to come see us, be sure you have all of the following:
- A favorite book or toy that your child can play with in the waiting room and hold on their lap during their exam, if they’d like. A small stuffed animal friend can be a big help!
- Your child’s medical history, with any important dates like surgeries written down.
- A list of questions you’d like to ask, written down so you don’t forget.
- Are they on any medications? Bringing these along can help if we need to double-check the dosage or name.
Partnering for Your Child’s Vision Health in Fort Collins
As fellow parents and Poudre Valley EyeCare providers, we believe your role is vital in safeguarding your child’s sight. Here’s how to team up with our Fort Collins experts:
1. Monitor Symptoms Proactively
Watch for classroom signs from our earlier list – squinting, headaches, or reading struggles.
Action: Schedule same-week exams if symptoms appear
2. Commit to Annual Fort Collins Exams
Why yearly? Children’s vision can shift dramatically in 6-12 months
Early detection allows us to:
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Correct refractive errors
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Train eye teamwork (binocular vision)
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Prevent academic/sports setbacks
“We’ve caught 20% of vision changes during ‘routine’ exams that parents hadn’t yet noticed.”
3. Make Glasses a Positive Experience
Normalize eyewear through media:
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Arthur (PBS Fort Collins)
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Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer (book)
Celebrate milestones: “Your new glasses help you spot eagles at Horsetooth Reservoir!”
Fort Collins Tip: Let kids choose fun frames at our optical center
We can’t wait to see you!
We hope this guide helps you prepare yourself and your child for an awesome back-to-school eye doctor’s appointment. Feel free to contact us with any questions, or book your appointment online and tick that box off your checklist for the new school year.
FAQs
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What should I bring to my child’s back to school eye exam?
Bring your child’s medical history, a list of current medications, insurance information, any required school forms, and a favorite comfort item or toy for your child
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How can I prepare my child for their first eye exam?
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Why are back to school eye exams important for kids?
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When should my child get a back to school eye exam?
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What are signs my child might need an eye exam?
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Who performs back to school eye exams in Fort Collins?
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How long does a typical eye exam take for kids?
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Can poor vision affect my child’s school performance?
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Are school vision screenings enough for my child?
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What happens during a child’s eye exam?
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How often should kids have their eyes checked?
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What if my child needs glasses after the exam?
Dr. Eric Torgerson
Owner at Poudre Valley Eyecare
Dr. Eric Torgerson is the owner of Poudre Valley Eyecare, and has been recognized for his contributions to optometry and his commitment to community health through various roles and accolades within the Northern Colorado Optometric Society and the Colorado Optometric Association.
Why Choose Us?
Our advanced technology and individualized care deliver results for patients of all ages. Our routine exams allow us to spot changes in your vision and allow us to treat those changes early. We have a comprehensive understanding of eye care, which means we can treat a wide range of conditions and chronic diseases. Our in-depth routine exams and customized treatment plans set us apart from the rest.
Please note: None of the above should be considered medical advice. If you’re having any concerns about your vision, please reach out to us immediately or see your primary care provider.
