Back-to-School Eye Exams for Kids in Santa Clarita: What Parents Should Know

Back-to-school season in Santa Clarita usually means new clothes, school supplies, backpacks, sports schedules, and getting back into a routine. But there’s one important item parents shouldn’t overlook: a comprehensive children’s eye exam.

Clear, comfortable vision plays an important role in how children learn, read, use computers, participate in sports, and interact with the world around them. Because children don’t always realize when their vision isn’t normal, an eye problem can sometimes go unnoticed for months or even years.

At Sunshine Optometry in Santa Clarita, we provide comprehensive pediatric eye exams for children and teens throughout Valencia, Stevenson Ranch, Newhall, Saugus, Castaic, Canyon Country, and the surrounding communities.

A back-to-school eye exam is a simple way to make sure your child is seeing clearly, their eyes are healthy, and they’re ready for the school year ahead.

Why Children’s Eye Exams Matter

A child may have blurry vision, difficulty focusing, poor eye coordination, or another vision problem without ever complaining about it. If they’ve always seen the world a certain way, they may assume everyone sees the same way.

Signs of a possible vision problem can include:

• Squinting or sitting unusually close to the TV

• Holding books, tablets, or phones very close

• Frequent headaches or tired eyes

• Losing their place while reading

• Avoiding reading or other near work

• Difficulty seeing the board at school

• Closing or covering one eye

• Eye rubbing

• Poor concentration during visually demanding activities

• A noticeable eye turn

• Declining school performance

Sometimes there are no obvious symptoms at all.

That’s why regular comprehensive eye examinations are so important. The American Optometric Association recommends eye examinations during childhood, including before first grade and annually thereafter for school-aged children.

For parents looking for a children’s eye doctor in Santa Clarita, a comprehensive exam can help identify vision problems early, before they begin interfering with school, sports, or everyday activities.

A School Vision Screening Isn’t the Same as an Eye Exam

School and pediatrician vision screenings can be helpful, but they are not a replacement for a comprehensive eye examination.

Many screenings primarily determine whether a child can see letters at a particular distance. During a comprehensive pediatric eye exam, an optometrist can evaluate much more, including:

• Nearsightedness

• Farsightedness

• Astigmatism

• Eye alignment

• Eye teaming and focusing

• Depth perception

• Eye health

• Amblyopia, commonly called “lazy eye”

• Strabismus, or an eye turn

• Other conditions that could affect vision or eye health

A child can sometimes pass a basic school screening and still have a vision problem that makes reading, computer work, or classroom activities more difficult.

That is one of the reasons we encourage parents in Valencia and the greater Santa Clarita Valley to schedule a comprehensive eye exam even if their child recently passed a school vision screening.

Nearsightedness in Children Deserves Special Attention

One condition we are seeing more frequently in children is myopia, or nearsightedness.

A child with myopia can usually see nearby objects clearly but may struggle to see things farther away, such as the classroom board, road signs, or a ball coming from across a field.

Myopia often begins during the school-age years and may continue progressing as a child grows.

Traditionally, glasses or contact lenses have been used to correct blurry vision caused by myopia. Today, there are also treatment options designed specifically to help slow the progression of myopia.

At Sunshine Optometry, we offer myopia management in Santa Clarita for children whose nearsightedness is progressing.

Ask About Stellest® Myopia Management Lenses

One exciting option for eligible children is Essilor Stellest® lenses.

In September 2025, the FDA authorized Stellest as the first spectacle lens in the United States specifically designed to both correct myopia and slow its progression in eligible children. The FDA indication includes children who are 6 to 12 years old when treatment begins, within specified prescription parameters.

In the two-year U.S. clinical study submitted to the FDA, Stellest lenses reduced myopia progression by an average of 71% compared with traditional single-vision lenses, while also reducing the amount the eye elongated during the study. Individual results can vary.

For parents who have noticed their child’s glasses prescription getting stronger year after year, a myopia management evaluation can help determine whether Stellest lenses or another treatment approach may be appropriate.

The goal isn’t simply to help a child see clearly today. It’s also to consider how we can help protect their vision as their eyes continue to grow.

Are Contact Lenses an Option for Kids and Teens?

For the right child, absolutely.

Many parents are surprised to learn that responsible children and teenagers can successfully wear contact lenses. There isn’t one perfect age to start. Readiness depends on maturity, hygiene, prescription, lifestyle, and how motivated the child is to wear them.

Contact lenses can be especially convenient for children involved in:

• Soccer

• Basketball

• Baseball

• Dance

• Cheer

• Gymnastics

• Football

• Other sports and activities

They can also give older children and teenagers the flexibility to alternate between glasses and contacts.

At Sunshine Optometry, we provide contact lens exams and fittings for kids and teens in Santa Clarita. During the exam, we can determine whether contact lenses are appropriate and teach your child how to insert, remove, clean, and wear them safely.

Certain specialty contact lenses may also be used as part of a myopia management program for qualifying children.

Don’t Forget Sunglasses for Kids

Children need protection from the sun just like adults do.

Quality sunglasses that block UVA and UVB radiation can help protect children’s eyes when they’re outside at recess, playing sports, going to the beach, traveling, or spending time outdoors around Santa Clarita.

Look for sunglasses that provide 100% UVA and UVB protection.

For children who already wear prescription glasses, prescription sunglasses can make outdoor activities much more comfortable.

Sunshine Optometry also offers a curated selection of children’s and teen eyewear, so parents can find options that provide both proper vision correction and sun protection.

A good pair of sunglasses is more than a fashion accessory—it’s part of taking care of your child’s eyes.

Screens, Schoolwork, and Tired Eyes

Computers, tablets, and phones are now a normal part of school and everyday life. Long periods of near work can leave children experiencing tired eyes, dryness, headaches, or difficulty focusing.

Simple habits can help:

• Encourage regular breaks from screens and homework

• Have children spend time outdoors each day

• Make sure reading and computer areas are well lit

• Keep screens at a comfortable working distance

• Remind children to blink regularly

• Have persistent headaches, blur, or eye discomfort evaluated

If your child frequently complains of tired eyes, headaches, or blurry vision after school, an eye examination can help determine whether an uncorrected prescription or focusing problem may be contributing.

Children’s Eye Exams in Santa Clarita, Valencia, and Nearby Communities

Sunshine Optometry has proudly served the Santa Clarita community for more than 40 years.

Our office on Tourney Road provides comprehensive eye care for families throughout:

• Santa Clarita

• Valencia

• Stevenson Ranch

• Newhall

• Saugus

• Canyon Country

• Castaic

• Surrounding communities

Whether your child needs their first eye exam, an updated glasses prescription, contact lenses, or an evaluation for myopia management, our team can help determine the best options for their vision and lifestyle.

Start the School Year With Clear Vision

Your child gets one pair of eyes, and good vision affects much more than whether they can read an eye chart.

A comprehensive eye examination can identify problems early, make sure your child’s prescription is up to date, and give parents an opportunity to discuss glasses, contact lenses, sunglasses, screen habits, and newer options for managing childhood myopia.

If your child hasn’t had an eye examination recently—or you’ve noticed squinting, headaches, blurry vision, trouble seeing the classroom board, or a prescription that seems to be changing quickly—now is a great time to schedule their back-to-school eye exam.

Schedule a Children’s Eye Exam at Sunshine Optometry

If you’re looking for a children’s eye exam in Santa Clarita or Valencia, schedule an appointment with Sunshine Optometry today.

We’re conveniently located at 27335 Tourney Road, Suite 180, Santa Clarita, CA 91355, and proudly care for families throughout the Santa Clarita Valley.

Schedule your child’s comprehensive eye exam today so they can head back to school seeing clearly and confidently.

And if your child is nearsighted, ask our team whether myopia management with Stellest® lenses, contact lenses, or another treatment option may be appropriate for them.