As summer calendars creep toward August, thoughts of last-chance family vacations and barbecues and back-to-school shopping quickly become foremost in our minds. Once the long beach days end, the focus may quickly turn to getting the kids ready for back-to-school. Shopping for the best outfit for their first day in the classroom, making sure they have all the electronics and basic supplies they need are all on most parents’ checklists.

But what about making sure children are prepared to face all the challenges ahead like studies, sports and other extracurricular activities by making certain they are up-to-date on their eye exams?

August has been recognized as Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month by groups such as the American Optometric Association (AOA) and Prevent Blindness with a sharp focus on maintaining children’s good vision and eye health throughout the school year and all year long. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) also offers resources such as “20 Things to Know About Children’s Eyes and Vision” on its website.

Independent eyecare providers (ECPs) also play a key role in ensuring children’s eye health as the ODs on the front lines in the battle to curb such potentially emerging epidemics as childhood myopia.

Here’s how are some ECPs and organizational supporters of Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month are trying to spread the word about children’s eye health just in time for the back-to-school season.


Iowa Eye Care reminds parents to make an eye check-up appointment for their children prior to the start of the school year. Photo courtesy of Iowa Eye Care via Twitter.



Nemours Children’s Health wants to help prevent eye injuries in children. Photo courtesy of Nemours Children’s Health via Twitter.



Angel Eyes Vision wants to be sure your child’s prescription is updated in time to the start of the school year. Photo courtesy of Angel Eyes Vision via Twitter.



Tactile Engineering celebrates Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month by empowering blind and disabled children to see a better future. Photo courtesy of Tactile Engineering via Twitter.



Shopko Optical is collecting school supplies and hygiene products to support local schools in its community. Photo courtesy of Shopko optical via Twitter.



The American Optometric Association stresses that an eye examination is crucial for back-to- school success.