Eye Exams for Homeschooled Kids: Tips from a Homeschool Mom and Eye Doctor

From one homeschool family to another: Dr. Susan Reimbold homeschooled both of her children. She also taught an after-school science program for six years with STEM Prepared Labs and Mad About Science, and helped teach science at many schools around the area. Some of her former science students still come to see her as patients today, now in college and beyond. We absolutely love kids, and homeschool families are always welcome at Reimbold Eye Group in Alpharetta.

Why vision matters so much at the kitchen table classroom

Homeschool days are full of up-close work: workbooks, read-alouds, math manipulatives, online classes and lots of screen time. Kids rarely complain about blurry vision. They often think everyone sees the way they do. A child who avoids reading or "hates math" may simply be working too hard to see.

Near work and screens

• Try the 20-20-20 habit. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. A kitchen timer makes it a game.
• Keep books and tablets at a comfortable distance, about the length from the elbow to the knuckles.
• Good light helps. Light from the side or behind, not glare on the screen.

Get outside for science (and for your eyes)

Research suggests that time outdoors in daylight may help lower the chance of a child becoming nearsighted. Homeschoolers have a great advantage here: nature walks, backyard experiments and recess whenever you like. If your child is already nearsighted or it runs in the family, read about our myopia management options, including myopia control glasses.

Signs your student may need an eye exam

• Losing their place while reading, or using a finger to track
• Squinting, rubbing eyes or tilting the head
• Headaches after lessons
• Avoiding reading or close work, or short attention for it
• Sitting very close to the TV or holding devices close
• Reversing letters past the age it is expected

Vision screening is not an eye exam

Homeschooled kids may miss the vision screenings done at school, and even a screening can miss focusing and eye-teaming problems. A full eye exam checks how the eyes focus, work together and stay healthy. Learn what to expect on our kids' eye exams in Alpharetta page and our pediatrics page.

Make it a field trip

We love curious kids. Bring their questions! We are happy to show how our eye-imaging technology works and explain what we see, when time allows.

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