As the Back-to-School season begins, August is a perfect reminder for families that healthy vision is key to their child’s school success.
At Total Education Solutions (TES), we support children of all abilities in their learning and development. While backpacks and new shoes are exciting, one of the most important “school supplies” is clear, healthy vision.
Vision Is More Than Just 20/20
Many parents think their child’s vision is fine if they can read the board or a book. But vision involves more than just clarity. Kids also rely on skills like:
- Eye teaming – how both eyes work together
- Eye tracking – following a line of text smoothly
- Visual perception – understanding what they see
- Visual memory – remembering visual information
If these skills are weak, your child may struggle to read, stay focused, or follow along in class. These challenges are sometimes mistaken for attention or learning problems.
Signs Vision Problems Are Affecting Learning
According to the American Optometric Association, 1 in 4 school-age children has an undiagnosed vision problem that interferes with learning.
Watch for these signs at home or school:
- Skipping lines while reading or losing their place
- Holding books very close
- Complaining of headaches or tired eyes
- Struggling with reading comprehension
- Avoiding reading, homework, or other close-up work
Even subtle symptoms can make learning harder—and often go unnoticed in basic school screenings. That’s why a comprehensive eye exam before school starts is so important.
When Vision Issues Look Like Learning Challenges
At TES, we work with children who face many learning challenges, including autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. But sometimes the root problem isn’t a learning disability at all – it’s an undiagnosed vision issue.
A vision evaluation can make a big difference. When paired with therapies like occupational therapy, educational therapy, or speech-language services, treating vision problems can improve focus, confidence, and academic success.
Simple Steps for Parents
This Vision and Learning Month, here’s how you can support your child:
- Schedule a comprehensive eye exam (not just a school screening).
- Watch for early warning signs like headaches, squinting, or avoiding reading.
- Communicate with teachers and specialists if your child seems frustrated with schoolwork.
- Encourage outdoor play and limit screen time to support healthy eye development.
How TES Supports Families
At Total Education Solutions, we provide personalized, collaborative support to help children thrive. Our team works with families, schools, and healthcare providers to:
- Identify barriers to learning early
- Offer services like occupational therapy, speech-language support, and academic interventions.
- Create flexible programs in schools, clinics, homes, and online.
We believe that when children can see clearly, they can learn with confidence.
Contact Us
If you’re ready to support your child’s learning and development, we’re here to help.
Call us at (877) TES-IDEA | (877) 837-4332
Email us at hello@tesidea.com
Or fill out our contact form to connect with a TES team member today.
Follow us for more tips and resources: @TES4Kids on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.
This August, let’s prioritize vision; healthy eyes help kids shine in school and beyond.