At St. Johns Eye Associates, we know that clear vision is just as essential for school success as a well-stocked backpack. As families gear up for the new academic year, one of the most important things parents can do is schedule a comprehensive eye exam. It’s the best way to catch early signs of myopia (nearsightedness) in children and begin treatment before the condition worsens.
Myopia is becoming more common in kids, and it tends to progress quickly. The good news is that early detection and intervention can help protect your child’s vision for life.
Why School Vision Screenings Miss Early Signs of Myopia
School screenings serve a purpose, but they’re not thorough. These quick checks often miss subtle vision problems, including early-stage myopia. Children with myopia can usually see up close but struggle with things like whiteboards, classroom screens, or road signs.
And without treatment, myopia doesn’t just impact learning. It can increase a child’s risk for more serious eye problems later in life, like glaucoma or retinal detachment.
Signs of Myopia in Children
Kids don’t always speak up about blurry vision, which makes it even more important for parents to keep an eye out. Common signs of myopia include:
• Frequent squinting or blinking
• Sitting too close to TVs or tablets
• Holding books very close to their face
• Complaining of headaches or eye strain
• Difficulty seeing objects far away, like road signs or classroom screens
If you’re noticing any of these, it’s a good idea to schedule a back-to-school eye exam. We recommend that children have their first comprehensive eye exam at around age five, followed by annual exams throughout their school years or sooner if any vision issues arise.
How We Manage Myopia at St. Johns Eye Associates
We take a proactive, personalized approach to myopia management. Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools, including axial length measurement and corneal topography, to track changes in your child’s eyes and tailor treatment to their needs.
We offer several proven treatments for managing myopia in kids:
• MiSight® 1 day lenses: FDA-approved daily contacts that slow myopia progression
• Ortho-K lenses: Worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea for clear daytime vision
• Atropine eye drops: A low-dose treatment shown to reduce how quickly myopia worsens
Plus, every child under 14 receives a complimentary biometry reading as part of our commitment to early detection.
Why Early Detection Means Better Long-Term Vision
The earlier we diagnose myopia, the more effective our treatment options are. In fact, we can often detect subtle eye growth changes before your child even notices symptoms. Since myopia tends to progress fastest during school-age years, starting treatment early gives us the best chance of slowing that progression while the eye is still developing.
Even if your child’s nearsightedness seems mild, now is the time to act. With consistent monitoring and evidence-based care, we help families protect their child’s long-term vision, not just correct it temporarily.
Why a Back-to-School Eye Exam Makes a Difference
A comprehensive eye exam does more than check for blurry vision. We consider your child’s learning environment, daily screen use, and any vision-related behaviors to ensure we set their eyes up for success.
First-time patients and contact lens wearers alike will find the process smooth and comfortable. Our staff guides every family through each step so you can feel confident in your child’s care.
Book Your Child’s Eye Exam Before School Starts
With an experienced team and four convenient locations in Nocatee, CR 210, World Golf Village, and San Marco, St. Johns Eye Associates is a trusted name in pediatric eye care. If your child hasn’t had a recent exam, or is showing signs of myopia, now is the time to schedule.
Appointments fill quickly before the school year starts. Book now to reserve your spot and give your child a clearer start.
Dr. Kapadia originally hails from St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Brock University. He then went on to graduate with honors from the Michigan College of Optometry in 1998, where he specialized in contact lenses. After he graduated, Dr. Kapadia completed a one-year residency at the renowned Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida, where he focused on ocular diseases.
Dr. Kapadia graduated with honors from the Michigan College of Optometry in 1999, where she received the Wesley-Jessen award for Outstanding Work in Contact Lenses. During her studies, she also served as President of Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH), which works to improve the sight of millions of people in developing countries.
After growing up in Minersville, Pennsylvania, Dr. Price graduated from Susquehanna University in 2012 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. Dr. Price continued her education at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and completed her training in 2016. After graduation, Dr. Price spent her career studying advanced eye diseases and specialized Low Vision services and devices.
Dr. Morgan Kickliter grew up in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
Dr. Phillips earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the University of Georgia before achieving his Doctor of Optometry from the Southern College of Optometry. There, he served as Vice President of the Georgia Optometric Student Association and provided free and cost-reduced optometric care to underserved patients in Mexico and Belize with the Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity. He served his residency at Gainesville Eye Associates, focusing on ocular diseases.