The Importance of Back to School Eye Exams

Back-to-school season is always a busy time for parents. Buying school supplies, finding new clothes that fit a growing body, and helping kids prepare mentally for the new school year can seem like a long to-do list. 

We know you may already feel overwhelmed, but you should also add a back-to-school vision test to your list of school-prep essentials. That’s right—it’s best to get your child’s eyes checked just before the school year starts so they can make the most out of their learning.

Here, we discuss the importance of regular eye exams for kids .

It’s August! Time flies, doesn’t it?

The month of August marks Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. August is also when children either return to the classroom or start preparing for their upcoming school year. 

With these two things in mind, it’s a great idea to get your child’s eyes checked to ensure their health and proper development. Clear vision is a crucial component of learning, and ensuring your child can see properly to read, write, and enjoy other school activities will provide them with the best chance at success. 

Almost all aspects of learning involve the eyes. From the second your child starts drawing colourful pictures to the moment they learn to read novels, they’re using their visual senses to guide their learning and experiences. As humans, we generally rely on sight more than our other senses, which is why vision plays such a crucial role in our upbringing and education. 

If your child struggles to read the letters in a book or on a chalkboard, their learning experience will be impaired. Luckily, for many eyesight issues, glasses provide a quick and easy fix that can help a child read and see objects more clearly. 

If your child complains of eye strain or other eye-related symptoms, booking an eye exam is a must. An eye doctor can assess the health and functioning of the eyes and screen for any eye-related disorders. 

Whether eye irritation is caused by allergies, strained vision, or an infection, your eye doctor can prescribe the right treatments to improve your child’s condition. Regular eye checkups may also help prevent symptoms from worsening. 

Regular eye exams can aid in the early diagnosis of various eye disorders. For many degenerative disorders, early detection may be the only way to prevent total vision loss. 

Common paediatric eye conditions include: 

As children grow, their vision changes. This may result in them becoming near-sighted or far-sighted as they age. They may even outgrow certain vision abnormalities.

Regardless, regular eye exams ensure you get the most up-to-date prescription for your child’s eyewear. 

Did you know that children aged 19 and under are eligible for one free eye exam per year covered by OHIP? That’s right–your back-to-school eye exam won’t cost a penny!

Before the hustle and bustle of the fall season hits, book an eye appointment for your child (and other family members while you’re at it). Knowing your child will begin school with healthy eyes and clear vision will put your mind at ease and set them up for a successful academic year.

Call Wally’s Optical today at (416) 535-6252 to book an eye exam with one of our certified optometrists   and find the best eyewear for your family’s needs. If you have any questions about our services, feel free to send an email inquiry through our contact form .