5 Signs Your Child Needs an Eye Exam (and How Sunshine Health Makes It Easy)

Children almost never announce that they can't see well — they assume the way they see is normal. That leaves it to parents and teachers to spot the clues. Here are five signs we tell South Florida families to watch for, and what to do next if any sound familiar.

1. Squinting, Head Tilting, or Covering One Eye

These are compensation strategies. Squinting temporarily sharpens focus; tilting or covering an eye can suggest the eyes aren't working together properly. Frequent use of any of these warrants an exam.

2. Sitting Too Close to Screens or Holding Books Near the Face

Kids move things closer to make them bigger and clearer. If your child consistently creeps toward the TV or reads with a book near their nose, nearsightedness is a likely suspect.

3. Headaches, Eye Rubbing, or Fatigue After School

A child working overtime to focus all day often comes home with headaches or tired, itchy eyes. Farsightedness and focusing problems are common culprits — and they're routinely missed by school screenings.

4. Losing Their Place While Reading

Skipping lines, rereading words, or using a finger to track well beyond the age it's typical can point to eye tracking or teaming problems that make reading genuinely harder.

5. Falling Grades or Avoiding Close Work

When a bright child suddenly resists reading or homework, vision should be ruled out before anything else. It's one of the most fixable causes of academic struggle.

The Easy Next Step for Sunshine Health Families

If any of these signs ring true, your child's comprehensive eye exam is typically covered by Sunshine Health at no cost to you — and glasses too, if they're needed. Advanced Vision Care accepts Sunshine Health across South Florida. Call our office or request an appointment online, and we'll verify your benefits before you arrive.