August marks Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month—a timely reminder for families to prioritize vision care as kids head back to school. Good vision is essential for learning, development and overall well-being. Yet, one in four school-aged children has an undiagnosed vision problem that can impact academic performance, social interactions and physical coordination.
Why Eye Health Matters
Vision issues like nearsightedness (myopia), lazy eye (amblyopia) and crossed eyes (strabismus) are common—and treatable when caught early. Left unaddressed, these conditions can hinder attention span, self-esteem and classroom engagement.
Other reasons to prioritize children’s eye health include:
- Vision problems are often mistaken for learning disabilities or behavioral challenges.
- Children may not recognize they have a vision issue, making regular exams essential.
- Increased screen time raises the risk of eye strain and fatigue.
- Untreated vision problems can persist into adulthood, affecting long-term health and opportunity.
Medicaid and Vision Services
Vision care is a core part of the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPDST) benefit for children enrolled in Medicaid. This includes routine and medically necessary screenings, prescription eyewear and other interventions—ensuring children receive the care they need to thrive.
Expanding Access Through Policy
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) supports policy efforts to strengthen children’s eye health. The Early Detection of Vision Impairments in Children Act, a pending federal bill, seeks to expand access to screenings and referrals through state and community grants. This legislation complements EPSDT by helping identify vision problems earlier and increasing follow-up care. It also aligns with our mission to advance health equity and preventive care across the region.
Back-to-School Readiness
Comprehensive eye exams should be part of every child’s back-to-school checklist. The American Optometric Association recommends annual exams starting in first grade, with early screenings between ages three and five. Parents and caregivers should watch for signs like:
- Squinting or head tilting
- Sitting too close to screens
- Frequent eye rubbing or blinking
- Complaints of blurry vision or headaches
Protective eyewear during sports and play can also prevent up to 90% of eye injuries.
CareFirst’s Commitment
CareFirst offers pediatric vision benefits in many health plans. For example, individual market plans include:
- One no-charge in-network exam per year or up to $40 reimbursement out-of-network
- No copay for frames and basic lenses in-network or up to $70 reimbursement for out-of-network frames i
Employer-sponsored plans may vary, so families should review their benefits and contact their insurer with questions.
Looking Ahead
Vision health is more than a back-to-school concern—it’s a year-round priority that influences a child’s academic and personal development. By ensuring access to regular exams and quality care, families can help protect their children’s vision today and for the years ahead.
At CareFirst, we believe that healthy vision is a cornerstone of lifelong wellness. By supporting early detection and access to care, we’re helping children thrive—in the classroom and beyond. This commitment reflects our broader mission to transform healthcare and advance equity across the communities we serve.
iThe information provided here is not a guarantee of coverage. Any available benefits are contingent upon a member’s contract.