Vision Warning Signs Every Parent Should Watch for This School Year

As the school year kicks off, every parent wants to set their child up for success. You’ve stocked up on supplies, updated the wardrobe, and filled the calendar with practices and parent-teacher nights. But there’s one essential check that’s often missed, your child’s vision.

At VisionQuest Eyecare, we work with families every day who are surprised to learn that their child’s school struggles or behavioral changes were linked to an undiagnosed vision issue. And it’s more common than you might think. Children don’t always know how to describe what they’re seeing, or not seeing. That’s why it’s critical to know what to look for and where to turn for expert help.

Why Vision Matters More Than Ever in School

Between reading assignments, smartboards, digital devices, and fast-paced classroom environments, kids today rely on their vision more than any generation before. If their eyes aren’t working properly, they may struggle to focus, fall behind academically, or be misdiagnosed with behavioral conditions like ADHD.

The good news? With early detection and expert care, vision-related learning issues can often be managed effectively. But it starts with knowing the signs.

Common Vision Warning Signs in School-Age Children

Many vision problems go unnoticed in routine pediatric checkups or school screenings. Here are key signs that may indicate your child needs a comprehensive eye exam:

• Frequent headaches, especially after reading or screen time
• Squinting or covering one eye to see clearly
• Losing their place while reading or skipping lines
• Complaints of blurry or double vision
• Short attention span during visual tasks
• Tilting the head or sitting too close to screens or books
• Eye rubbing, tearing, or unusual sensitivity to light
• Behavioral changes like frustration, fatigue, or avoidance of schoolwork

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to consider a deeper look. That’s where VisionQuest steps in, with specialized pediatric care, advanced diagnostics, and a level of expertise you won’t find just anywhere.

Why Families Choose VisionQuest Eyecare

VisionQuest Eyecare isn’t your average eye doctor. We’re trusted by families across Greenwood and Fishers because we offer a full-circle approach to pediatric vision care, from routine eye exams to advanced therapies, in a warm, patient-centered environment that values your time and your child’s future.

What Sets Us Apart:

• Pediatric eye exams that go beyond basic vision tests, using advanced tools to detect subtle vision and tracking issues that affect learning

• Indiana’s only provider partnered with Treehouse Eyes, a national leader in myopia management

• Access to Focus Vision Therapy for specialized treatment of eye teaming, tracking, and visual processing disorders

• Convenient evening appointments on Mondays and Thursdays until 7 PM, ideal for busy school-year schedules

• A team that truly listens to parents and builds personalized care plans designed around your child’s unique needs

Whether your child is just learning to read or prepping for high school finals, our team at VisionQuest provides the tools and support to help them succeed with clear, comfortable vision.

Myopia Is on the Rise And We’re Leading the Charge in Treatment

One of the most common and rapidly growing childhood vision problems is myopia (nearsightedness). Left unmanaged, myopia doesn’t just affect how well your child sees the board—it can increase their risk for serious eye diseases

 later in life.

At VisionQuest Eyecare, we are proud to be the only practice in Indiana partnered with Treehouse Eyes, the country’s leading provider of myopia control, at both of our locations. This means we offer proven, non-invasive treatments to slow the progression of myopia, helping your child preserve better vision for years to come.

This school year, don’t just get new shoes, get ahead of myopia.

Vision Therapy: A Game-Changer for Struggling Students

If your child has perfect vision but still struggles with reading, coordination, or attention, vision therapy might be the missing piece. Unlike glasses or contacts, vision therapy strengthens how the eyes work together; skills essential for learning, focusing, and reading efficiently.

Through Focus Vision Therapy, VisionQuest offers personalized programs to help children improve eye teaming, visual tracking, and processing. We’ve seen it transform the lives of students who were once frustrated and falling behind into confident, capable learners.

Don’t Wait, Start the School Year with Clarity and Confidence

Vision issues don’t always present in obvious ways. That’s why preventive care matters. A comprehensive eye exam at VisionQuest Eyecare can catch hidden issues before they impact your child’s academic performance or self-esteem.

Whether you’re near our Fishers location or closer to Greenwood, our expert team is ready to support your family with evening availability, cutting-edge diagnostic tools, and a reputation for care that’s both personal and professional.

Book an Appointment Now

Dr. Gaia Hess

Dr. Gaia Hess is a vision therapy and myopia management doctor with VisionQuest Eyecare. She’s passionate about pediatric eyecare and educating her young patients and their parents so they can understand what’s happening with their eyes and the best ways to improve their vision.