For Back-To-School, Keep Your Keiki’s Eyes Safe 

August is Children’s Eye Safety Awareness Month

(Honolulu, HI) August 11, 2025 — As students prepare to head back to school, eye care professionals are reminding parents that clear vision and healthy eyes are essential for academic success. With 80% of learning in a classroom delivered visually, a child’s ability to see clearly directly impacts their performance, confidence, and learning retention in school.
Dr. Steven Rhee, D.O., of Hawaiian Eye Center, emphasizes the importance of scheduling a comprehensive eye exam at the beginning of the school year. “Many parents assume that a school vision screening is enough,” says Dr. Rhee, “but these screenings often miss more serious vision problems that only a full exam can detect.”
These exams can also provide a needs assessment for eye gear, including glasses, protective eye wear for sports, and more.

In addition:
1. Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam
Children should have their eyes examined every 1–2 years, or as recommended by their eye doctor. Early detection of issues like nearsightedness, astigmatism, or eye coordination problems can prevent learning delays.
2. Watch for Warning Signs
Parents and teachers should be alert to signs of vision problems, including squinting, sitting too close to screens, frequent eye rubbing, headaches, or avoiding reading and close work.
3. Limit Digital Eye Strain
With increasing screen time both in and out of the classroom, kids are more at risk for digital eye strain. Encourage the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
4. Ensure Proper Lighting and Screen Positioning
When using digital devices, children should be seated with screens at eye level and in well-lit areas to reduce glare and strain.
5. Choose the Right Eyewear
If your child needs glasses, make sure they have durable frames, anti-reflective lenses, and possibly blue light protection if screen time is excessive.
6. Promote Healthy Habits
A balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep all contribute to better eye health.

Set Kids Up for Visual Success
“Eye health plays a key role in how children interact with the world around them,” adds Dr. Rhee. “By taking a few simple steps now, parents can ensure their children are starting the school year with the visual tools they need to succeed.”