At the beginning of the new school year: When should students get their eyes checked and change their lenses?
Eye check-up and lens change schedule for students before the school year starts: signs of increasing prescription, safe lenses, scratch-resistant, and screen work — suggestions in Ho Chi Minh City.
Optometrist Vũ Văn Tiệp
March 28, 2026
At the beginning of the school year is one of the most reasonable times for parents to have their children recheck their vision and consider changing lenses — changing frames. After summer, children often increase screen time, change sleeping habits, or prepare for a new class — new seating that is closer or farther from the board than before. If children see the board blurry, squint, tilt their heads, or often hesitate when copying notes, it may be a signal of prescription change, lens misalignment, or accommodative fatigue, not just “laziness.” The article below summarizes suggested check-up schedules, signs that require rechecking, safe lens options for students, and how to combine with blue light blocking glasses / myopia control when indicated — serving as a general guideline; all medical decisions still belong to the ophthalmologist / refraction technician after examination. You can schedule an appointment or inquire in advance at Kính Mắt Điện Biên Phủ, 529 Đường 3 Tháng 2, Quận 10 (contact).
Why is the “beginning of the school year” important for children's eyes?
At a developing age, myopia can progress over time, especially when looking at close distances (books, electronic boards, phones). The start of school often coincides with the time children change their study intensity — from summer mode to sitting in class continuously, extra classes, exams. A pair of correct prescription glasses, proper lens alignment, and non-slip frames help children see the board clearly, reduce squinting, and lessen fatigue when doing assignments. Conversely, glasses that are off prescription or heavily scratched cause children to strain their eyes, easily get distracted, and lack confidence at school.
When should eye exams / rechecks be prioritized before the school year starts?
Not every child needs to recheck every year, but the following situations should prioritize scheduling early (usually 2–4 weeks before the school year starts to avoid crowds and allow time to order lenses if needed):
- Children who have rapidly increased their prescription in previous check-ups.
- Changing seating or new class makes the distance to the board noticeably different.
- Online learning or tablet usage increases; children complain of eye fatigue, headaches in the afternoon.
- Glasses falling, misaligned frames, scratched lenses — directly affecting image quality.
- Children do not report but teachers reflect that they often get close to the board or squint one eye when looking far away.
Signs parents can observe themselves
Squinting when looking at signs / store name boards; tilting head when watching TV; blinking continuously after studying; rubbing eyes often (also need to rule out allergies / dry eyes). If any of these signs last more than two weeks, it is advisable to recheck.
Changing lenses: not just because of prescription increase
Many parents only think about changing lenses when the prescription increases, but peeling coatings, deep scratches, or old lenses can also cause light scattering, glare, blurry vision even if the prescription is “correct on paper.” Additionally, when children switch to new frames (smaller, differently curved), it may sometimes be necessary to recheck the height of the lenses or check lens alignment to avoid optical misalignment — especially if children use lenses with special designs (for example, some lines that support near vision for studying).
Recommended lenses for students: impact-resistant and school-friendly
Polycarbonate and Trivex are two safe options when children play sports, experience light collisions, or often drop their glasses. They are lighter and more impact-resistant than CR-39 in the same context. For a more detailed comparison, see sports glasses: polycarbonate or Trivex.
Scratch-resistant coating is almost necessary because students often wipe their glasses quickly and store them in the same case as their pens. Anti-reflective (AR) coating helps reduce glare when LED classroom lights or flash photography are present.
Screens: Is blue light blocking necessary?
Blue light filtering lenses can be considered if children look at screens for long periods, but they do not replace adjusting brightness, distance, and taking eye breaks. Some children may be sensitive to the tint of the filter — it is necessary to test and ask the refraction technician about the tint level. Read more about how to choose blue light blocking glasses and which blue light blocking lenses are good.
Myopia control: when should it be discussed?
For children with rapidly progressing myopia, doctors may suggest various control methods (daily wear glasses, prescribed eye drops, or ortho-k — depending on individual circumstances). This is not something to choose based on advertisements; parents should read the knowledge framework at myopia control glasses — complete guide and then ask the doctor if their child falls into the indicated group.
Glasses frames: fitting at the nose and ears, not slipping when running in between classes
Frames that are too wide cause lens misalignment when children look down at their notebooks; too tight frames cause ear indentations, leading children to remove their glasses. It is advisable to choose frames that are adjustable (pads, temples), and ask the store to adjust them after 1–2 weeks of wearing when the nose bridge has stabilized. Refer to how to choose glasses for students for a checklist when shopping.
Check-up schedule: how far in advance should appointments be made?
2–4 weeks before the school year starts is a safe timeframe: to avoid waiting in line at the clinic and store, have time to order lenses if needed, and allow children to get used to new glasses before the official school year begins. If the school has a mass health check-up, it may deviate from the schedule — parents should proactively ask the school or get a separate check at an optical facility / store with a refraction technician.
Bringing a hospital prescription for glasses: what else is needed?
If children have a prescription from the hospital, please bring it along and ask the refraction technician if the prescription includes PD, ADD (if multi-focal lenses are needed), and lens height for progressive lenses — many printed prescriptions lack one of these numbers. Refer to what to bring when taking a hospital prescription for glasses to avoid having to cut again or not being able to wear the glasses after receiving them.
What to bring when taking your child for an eye exam
Old glasses, old prescription (if any), list of medications being used, and notes on habits (online learning times, sports subjects). Ask clearly about glasses pick-up time, lens warranty, and number of free frame adjustments (if any).
Conclusion
At the beginning of the school year is an opportunity to recheck vision and update glasses for children — not only when increasing prescription but also when lenses are bad, frames are misaligned, or learning environments change. Prioritizing safe lenses, suitable coatings, and well-fitting frames helps children study comfortably and protect their eyes in the long term. For more information about eye exams and services at the store, see free eye exams, contact, or continue reading articles and lens selection.
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