How Often Should Your Children Receive Eye Exams?
The frequency with which children should have an eye exam depends on their age.
- First exam – at six months
- Second exam – age three
- Third exam – before entering kindergarten
- Subsequent exams – every year until age 19
(BC Optometrists Association)
Did You Know: One Out of Four Kids Need Vision Correction
80% of vision problems in children can usually be quickly remedied by prescription eyewear. Parents should look for signs of visual issues such as:
- Frequent headaches
- Squinting
- Trouble reading
- Drop in grades or acting out in class
80% of what your child will be taught in school will be presented visually. In order for your child to succeed academically, they must have adequate eyesight and oculo visual skills.
Pediatric Eye Care Myths
- Myth #1 – Wearing glasses or contacts makes vision worse – A child’s vision impairment is typically a result of a refractive error – such as farsightedness or nearsightedness – which is due to an irregularly shaped eye or cornea. These vision problems are based on physical issues which exist with or without corrective lenses. Many studies show that in kids with myopia (nearsightedness), utilizing corrective lenses can reduce or delay its progression as they mature into adulthood.
- Myth #2 – Kids won’t wear glasses – Lots of kids like glasses…especially once they experience proper vision as a result and when they see their friends and peers wearing them.
- Myth #3 – Young children don’t need glasses because they don’t need to read – Vision plays a foundational role in a child’s development; influencing seemingly unrelated skills such as walking and talking. Even before a child is reading, they require proper vision in order to grow and learn properly. Vision and motor skills are directly related.
- Myth #4 – Children’s eye exams aren’t accurate because young children don’t understand what is being asked of them – Using sophisticated equipment, we can determine where your child has challenges with their vision.
What Children’s Eye Exams Focus On
- Vision quality – We want to ensure that your child does not experience any refractive errors or other vision-limiting impediments that can be corrected.
- Screening for underlying illnesses – While rare, it is still possible for a child to have a congenital cataract or glaucoma. Our eye exams screen for vision-threatening illnesses known to impact children.
- Eye teaming – Both eyes must work together to create clear, effective vision. We test your child’s binocular vision, ensuring their eyes are teaming properly.
Eye See… Eye Learn!
This program provides complimentary glasses (if needed) for eligible children entering kindergarten. We are proud to partner with Eye See… Eye Learn.
Eyeglasses for Children Program
Since 2004, the Sidney Lions Club and Central Saanich Lions Club have covered the cost of prescription eyeglasses up to a certain amount for children 10 years and under. We are proud to support this program benefiting students from Deep Cove Elementary, Kelset Elementary, Sidney Elementary, Keating Elementary, and Brentwood Elementary, as well as home-schooled students in the area.
