The Link Between School Success and Vision
The start of a new school year is exciting, but it also means increased demands on your child’s vision. Reading from the board, using tablets and computers, and participating in sports all require healthy eyes and accurate vision. Unfortunately, many children adapt to blurry or strained eyesight without realizing it, making regular exams essential. At Sunridge Eye Clinic, we believe eye health is a cornerstone of academic success. Our Calgary optometrists are experienced in identifying vision issues early and helping families find the right solutions.
Why Children’s Eye Exams Are So Important
Vision plays a central role in how children learn. It’s estimated that up to 80% of classroom learning relies on vision, whether it’s reading, writing, or absorbing information from the board. If a child cannot see clearly, they may struggle to keep up academically and socially. Eye exams ensure potential problems are detected and corrected before they interfere with school progress.
School vision screenings, while useful, cannot replace a full exam. Screenings usually test only distance vision and may miss conditions such as astigmatism, eye coordination problems, or early signs of disease. A comprehensive exam at Sunridge Eye Clinic goes beyond clarity of sight, assessing eye alignment, depth perception, and overall ocular health.
Recommended Eye Exam Frequency for Children
The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends a first eye exam between six and nine months of age, another at age three to five, and yearly once a child begins school. In Alberta, annual exams for children up to age 18 are fully covered by Alberta Health Care, which means there’s no financial barrier for families to protect their child’s vision.
Signs Your Child May Need an Exam
Parents and teachers often provide the first clues that something isn’t right. Watch for signs such as:
- Frequent squinting or eye rubbing
- Headaches or complaints of eye strain
- Difficulty concentrating on schoolwork
- Sitting too close to screens or holding books very close
- Avoidance of reading or classroom activities
These symptoms can point to common refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness, but they may also signal other issues such as lazy eye (amblyopia) or problems with eye coordination.
What Happens During a Children’s Eye Exam
At Sunridge Eye Clinic, our goal is to make exams comfortable and stress-free for young patients. The process typically includes:
- Checking visual acuity (clarity of vision at various distances)
- Assessing how the eyes work together (binocular vision and tracking)
- Measuring eye pressure and examining the optic nerve when appropriate
- Testing depth perception and colour vision
- A detailed look at overall eye health, including the retina
If corrective lenses are required, we’ll provide options that fit comfortably and suit a child’s active lifestyle. We also discuss strategies for reducing eye strain from digital devices, which are becoming an increasing factor in children’s vision care.
Long-Term Benefits of Regular Exams
The advantages of early and regular eye exams extend far beyond the classroom. Children who can see clearly often feel more confident, participate more in sports and activities, and experience fewer frustrations during learning. Early detection also helps prevent complications from conditions like amblyopia or progressive nearsightedness, both of which are most successfully treated when caught young.
For parents, annual eye exams provide peace of mind that your child’s vision and eye health are developing as they should. With Alberta Health Care covering these exams, it’s a step every family can take without cost concerns.
Book Your Child’s Eye Exam in Calgary
Don’t let vision problems hold your child back this school year. Book a children’s eye exam at Sunridge Eye Clinic in Calgary to ensure they have the clear sight they need to thrive. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and protect your child’s long-term eye health.
FAQs
Q: How often should children have an eye exam?
A: Children should have their first eye exam between 6–9 months, again at age 3–5, and yearly once they start school. Contact Sunridge Eye Clinic today to book your child's eye appointment.
Q: Are children’s eye exams covered in Alberta?
A: Yes, Alberta Health Care covers annual eye exams for children up to age 18.
Q: Can school vision screenings replace a full exam?
A: No. Screenings only check basic vision and miss many conditions. A full exam is essential.
