Each year, thousands of children start school without ever having an eye exam. Parents often believe that their child will let them know if they cannot see well, but children are rarely able to tell that they have poor vision because they have nothing to compare it to.
Vision problems and eye health conditions in school aged children can contribute to learning issues, influence their development and also affect academic success. However, vision and eye health conditions are not always accompanied by recognizable symptoms.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists has the following recommendations as to the age and frequency of eye examinations for children*:
- Infants – should receive their first eye examination between the ages of 6 and 9 months
- Pre-school children (between the ages of 2 and 5) – at least one eye examination is recommended
- School aged children between the ages of 6 and 19 – should receive an eye examination on an annual basis
*in most cases children’s eye exams are covered in Canada under the provincial government health plan
Did you know?
- One in four children have vision problems
- 80% of learning is processed through vision
- Studies show a direct link between vision problems and school drop out rates
- Children with vision problems are falsely diagnosed with ADHD
- Harmful blue light given off from digital devises penetrates to the back of the eye causing eye strain, fatigue and can affect sleep cycles
Protect your child’s vision by booking regular eye exams with an optometrist.
LMC Brampton & Barrie locations participate in the Eye See Eye Learn program. The ESEL program is available for children starting Junior Kindergarten and if required, your child will receive a pair of eye glasses at no charge. The frames are fashionable and are made with high quality and impact resistant polycarbonate lenses. The estimated value of the glasses is over $250.
