What is near the front camera on iPad Air? I have a screen protector from Tech Armor designed specifically for the iPad Air but it covers a small, barely visible port or opening of some sort near the front camera. 

I thought it was a microphone at first but upon further research, I don't think it is since the two mics are on top and back. 

Is it just a light sensor perhaps and therefore doesn't matter that it's covered by a clear film?
It is the Ambient light sensor (ALS).

If Auto-Brightness is on, iPad adjusts the screen brightness for current light conditions using the built-in ambient light sensor.
Quoted From iPad User Guide For iOS 7 (October 2013) P.23

Additional information: Quora: Where is the Ambient Light Sensor located on the iPad