AS children navigate the challenges of school, from reading assignments to class participation, clear vision is essential for academic success. Unfortunately, many children suffer from undiagnosed or untreated vision problems, which can have a significant impact on their learning, behaviour, and overall well-being. In fact, refractive errors and other vision issues are among the most undiagnosed health problems in school-aged children, often affecting their academic performance and classroom participation.

Dr Aron Wohl, CEO and lead optometrist at Eye Q Optical, said refractive errors like near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism are among the most common issues affecting children’s vision.

“Without early detection, these problems can seriously hinder a child’s ability to learn and participate fully in school activities,” he said.

Other common vision problems in school-aged children include myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), amblyopia (lazy eye), and strabismus (crossed eyes). Less common, but equally impactful, are colour vision deficiencies and visual processing disorders which can complicate learning tasks that require colour differentiation or visual attention.

“To ensure healthy vision development, it is recommended that children have their eyes checked regularly, starting at birth,” Dr Wohl shared. “A comprehensive eye exam is essential by age four or five, just before starting school, and yearly follow-ups are advised thereafter.”

How vision problems affect academic performance

Children with undiagnosed vision problems may struggle to see words clearly on a page, leading to slow reading speeds and reduced comprehension. This can result in inattention, difficulty completing assignments, and poor academic performance. Teachers might misinterpret these symptoms as laziness or lack of interest, but the root cause is often a visual issue.

“Children who struggle to read or write often get labelled as inattentive or lazy when the underlying issue is an undiagnosed vision problem,” Dr Wohl explained. “It’s essential to recognise that vision directly impacts their learning ability and even their personality.”

Beyond academics, vision problems can also affect participation in extracurricular activities. Children with vision issues may avoid sports, art projects, or group activities, reducing their social interaction and contributing to feelings of isolation. As a result, they might experience diminished self-esteem, which can affect their emotional well-being and behaviour in the classroom.

Recognising the signs of vision problems

Parents and teachers play a crucial role in identifying potential vision problems in children. Some common signs include squinting, frequent eye rubbing, and holding objects unusually close to the face.

“Parents and teachers should be aware of early warning signs such as squinting, frequent headaches, or difficulty reading,” noted Dr Wohl. “These behaviours could indicate a more serious underlying issue that needs to be addressed with an eye exam.”

This underscores the importance of regular eye examinations, even if no obvious problems are detected. Children should have their eyes examined at birth — a neonatal eye exam is typically done to check for any major issues. At six months old, a comprehensive eye exam is recommended to ensure healthy eye development; at three years old, another eye examination should take place to check for any potential vision problems; before starting school (around five to six years old), a comprehensive eye exam is essential to ensure that a child is ready for the visual demands of school.

After the initial years, children should have their eyes examined every one to two years, or more frequently, as advised by their eyecare professional, if there are vision concerns or if they wear glasses or contact lenses.

Preventing vision problems and supporting children’s learning

Preventing vision problems from affecting a child’s education starts with regular eye examinations. In addition, managing screen time and encouraging breaks — such as the 20-20-20 rule (looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes) — can help reduce eye strain from digital devices. Corrective eyewear, such as prescription glasses or contact lenses, remains the most effective treatment for refractive errors. Additionally, photochromic lenses and blue light blocking glasses can offer protection against UV rays and screen glare, improving comfort and reducing strain.

The connection between vision and learning is undeniable. Vision problems, if left untreated, can impede a child’s ability to thrive academically and socially. Regular eye exams and proper vision care not only improve academic outcomes but also boost confidence, participation, and overall well-being.

“Annual eye exams are the best way to ensure children’s vision remains healthy as they grow. By detecting issues early, we can prevent long-term impacts on their academic performance and overall development,” advised Dr Wohl.

By ensuring early detection and addressing vision issues promptly, parents, teachers, guardians, and healthcare providers can make a significant difference in a child’s educational journey.