Parents are being advised to ensure their children’s eyesight is ready for the classroom as schools prepare to reopen this week, with optometrists warning that poor vision can significantly impact learning and classroom behavior.
Optometry Ireland acting president Liz Grennan recommends immediate eye examinations if parents notice warning signs including eye rubbing, closing or covering one eye, misaligned eyes when looking at objects, or complaints about being unable to see the board clearly.
“Poor eyesight is proven to affect children’s learning – but this can be easily avoided with the right treatment or glasses,” Grennan stated. She noted that routine eye exams are available through 350 Optometry Ireland locations nationwide.
While all children receive free state-funded vision screening in primary school, typically during Junior Infants, parents are advised not to delay seeking professional assessment if they have immediate concerns about their child’s vision.
Grennan highlighted the growing concern of excessive screen time in children’s lives, which can increase eye strain and potentially contribute to short-sightedness development. The condition most commonly begins between ages 6-13.
To support healthy vision, optometrists recommend limiting screen time, ensuring children spend time outdoors daily, and providing good lighting for homework and study. Well-lit, spacious study areas help reduce eye strain and encourage proper posture.
Parents should also watch for symptoms including tired eyes or headaches after school, which can indicate underlying vision problems. Since children’s eyes continue developing, ongoing monitoring by local optometrists is recommended.
The timing of this guidance coincides with the back-to-school period when children will face increased visual demands from classroom learning, reading, and homework activities that require clear, comfortable vision for academic success.