If your child had a vision problem, would he or she tell you?

 

When a child has a vision problem, there's one small catch: they think that's the way people are supposed to see and they don't know the difference.

 Approximately 1 in 4 school-aged children have a visual condition, which affects their ability to learn and read. Given that 80 percent of all learning happens visually, it's a small step parents can take to ensure their children thrive at school and play. That's why all children should have their eyes examined by the age of three and every year after.

The BC government has taken an active role in ensuring vision isn't an obstacle in their children performing to their potential. MSP fully covers all children 18 years and younger for annual eye examinations by an Optometrist.

Proper diagnosis of vision disorders are critical at an early stage, as some conditions are best treated during a child's formative years. If left untreated these conditions could lead to permanent life-long vision disabilities. Basic vision conditions, such as, farsightedness (hyperopia), nearsightedness (myopia) or astigmatism -- as well as turned or crossed eyes or lazy eyes (strabismus or tropia)-should be detected and treated during early childhood years.

And remember:

A school "eye screening" is not a thorough eye exam. An eye exam from an Optometrist is the only way to determine if your child's eyes are growing and functioning, as they should.

We at Optomeyes and the Canadian Optometric Association recommend children receive a complete eye exam every year until they're 19 years old.