Keeping Our Kids Eyes Healthy
When it comes to a child’s development, few things are as critical-and as overlooked-as their vision.
From reading and writing to sports and screen time, healthy eyes are essential for kids to succeed in school and in life. That’s why regular eye exams starting at age 5 are so important.
However, access to those exams may be at risk.
APRIL 21 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, a case that could significantly weaken or eliminate the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) requirement that private insurance plans cover preventive health services-like children’s eye exams-at no cost to families. This provision has helped millions of families access essential screenings and checkups that can detect problems early, before they become serious or costly.
If the Court strikes down this part of the ACA, children’s access to routine eye exams could be among the casualties.
Why Eye Exams at TACOMA EYE Matter for Children Aged 5 and Up
1. Early Detection of Vision Problems
Most kids don’t know how “normal” vision should look — they assume everyone sees the world the way they do. That means issues like nearsightedness (myopia), astigmatism, and amblyopia (lazy eye) can go unnoticed for years. Left untreated, these conditions can affect learning, behavior, and quality of life. The good news? Early treatment — including glasses or even eyedrops to slow myopia — can make a lifelong difference.
2. Academic Success Starts with Clear Vision
Kids today spend more time than ever using their eyes — reading, doing schoolwork, using digital devices. If they can’t see clearly, they can’t focus, read the board, or engage fully in class. Regular eye exams make sure children have the visual tools they need to thrive in school and beyond.
3. Preventing Serious Health Issues
An eye exam doesn’t just check for blurry vision — it’s a window into overall health. Exams can catch signs of strabismus (crossed eyes), retinal disease, or even rare conditions like pediatric glaucoma. When caught early, these conditions are far more treatable.
Why the ACA Matters for Eye Health
Since its passage in 2010, the ACA has made preventive services-including pediatric vision screenings-free under most private insurance plans. This has helped millions of families catch and treat health issues before they worsen.
Roughly 150 million Americans benefit from this rule, and it’s estimated that 1 in 20 people received at least one free preventive service in 2019 alone.
But now, with the Supreme Court reviewing the legality of how these services are determined, that coverage could be rolled back-especially for newer recommendations that came after March 2010. That means vision screening guidelines and treatments approved in recent years could be excluded from coverage, putting many children at risk.
The Bottom Line
Clear vision shouldn’t be a luxury-it’s a fundamental part of a healthy childhood. Routine eye exams catch problems early, support learning, and help children grow into their best selves. And thanks to the ACA, those exams have been accessible to more families than ever before.
As the Supreme Court considers changes that could reshape the landscape of preventive care, it’s vital to understand what’s at stake. Protecting children’s eye health means protecting their access to preventive services. The ACA helps keep these protections in place.