Back-to-School Eye Care: A Parent’s Guide to Protecting Your Child’s Vision
As you prepare your kids to head back to school this fall, don’t forget to check in on their eye health! Approximately 25 percent of school-age children have vision problems, and when left undiagnosed, these issues can interfere with learning, sports, and social activities. Children often don’t recognize that they have a vision problem, assuming that what they see is normal. That’s why early detection, diagnosis, and treatment are essential to supporting their success in and out of the classroom.
Here’s how you can ensure your child’s eyes are in top shape before school starts.
Schedule an Eye Exam
Regular eye exams are one of the most important steps you can take to support your child’s vision. According to optometrists, children should have their first eye exam at six months old, followed by another at three years old and again at five years old. After that, yearly eye exams are recommended to monitor any changes in their vision and eye health.
While schools may offer vision screenings, these are not the same as a full eye exam. Screenings can miss significant vision problems, such as issues with depth perception or eye coordination. Only a comprehensive eye exam performed by an optometrist can detect underlying concerns that may be affecting your child’s ability to learn and participate in activities.
Making eye exams part of your back-to-school routine is a great way to keep vision care on track! Add it to your checklist along with school supply shopping, vaccinations, and dental checkups.
Preparing Your Child for an Eye Exam
Many children feel nervous about doctor’s visits, and eye exams are no exception. However, with a little preparation, you can help them feel comfortable and confident about their appointment. Here are a few simple ways to make the experience easier:
- Talk about what to expect. Explain that the eye doctor will check how well they see and make sure their eyes are healthy.
- Use pictures and books. Show them images of eyes and talk about how they work. There are also many children’s books about visiting the eye doctor that can help familiarize them with the process.
- Role-play the exam. Pretend to be the optometrist and have your child play the patient. You can practice looking at letters or pictures on a pretend eye chart.
- Bring a comfort item. A small stuffed animal or toy can help ease anxiety during the visit.
- Have health information ready. Be prepared with a list of medications, allergies, and any concerns you’ve noticed about your child’s vision.
A comprehensive pediatric eye exam typically takes about 15 minutes. The optometrist will review your child’s medical history, check their vision, assess eye alignment, and perform a thorough eye health evaluation.
Shopping for Eyewear and Eye Care Supplies
If your child needs glasses, back-to-school season is the perfect time to make sure their frames fit properly and that their prescription is up to date. A poor-fitting pair of glasses can be uncomfortable and may discourage your child from wearing them regularly.
It’s also a good idea to:
- Have a backup pair. Kids are active, and accidents happen. Having an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses ensures they’re never without clear vision.
- Stock up on eye care products. If your child wears contacts, make sure they have an adequate supply of lens solution and cleaning products.
- Check for durability. Kids can be rough on their glasses, so look for impact-resistant lenses and flexible, kid-friendly frames.
Take Advantage of the Eye See… Eye Learn® Program
If your child is entering kindergarten, they may be eligible for a free pair of prescription glasses through the Eye See… Eye Learn® program. This initiative is designed to ensure young learners have the vision correction they need to succeed in school.
To qualify, children must undergo a comprehensive eye exam by a licensed optometrist. The good news is that Alberta Health provides full coverage for children’s eye exams up to the age of 18, making it easy to take advantage of this opportunity.
Book a Pediatric Eye Exam in Edmonton
At Optometrists’ Clinic Inc., we’re committed to providing top-quality eye care for children and families. Our experienced optometrists specialize in pediatric eye exams and are trained to diagnose and manage vision concerns in kids of all ages. With five full-service locations in Edmonton, Westlock, and Leduc, we make it easy to schedule an appointment at a clinic near you.
Don’t let vision problems stand in the way of your child’s learning and development! Contact us today to book a pediatric eye exam and ensure they’re ready for a successful school year.
