Putting eye care at the top of your back-to-school list

What’s on your back to school list this year? New clothes and shoes, school supplies and a fresh haircut: these are some of the items commonly found on the annual back to school list.

But have you thought to book an eye examination, either as an annual visit, or a first time booking for your child as part of your back-to-school preparations?

Unfortunately, although vision problems in children are common, many children have never had an eye examination. The Ontario government recognizes the importance of eye examinations for children by covering the cost of the examination once every 12 months for children up to the age of 19 years.

Vision problems such as myopia create blurred distance vision, making the blackboard difficult to see. More difficult to detect are children who are farsighted or who have astigmatism. These children often appear to have “normal” vision as they see clearly — however, they are straining their eyes to do so. This means they have difficulty in focusing, creating eye fatigue and a higher level of frustration, particularly for close work.

Vision problems make it harder for children to learn and keep up with others.

Vision problems make it harder for children to learn and keep up with others. The following is a check list from the Ontario Association of Optometrists. This list is something parents and caregivers can use to identify a possible vision problem in their children. Parents need to be aware that some children may not exhibit any of these signs or symptoms, due to their young age and inability to express what is missing. Many vision problems can only be detected by a complete eye examination.

When booking an appointment, remember that late summer is known as the “back to school rush,” making appointments at convenient times harder to get. Booking earlier will provide more flexible appointment times. Should your child’s glasses or prescription change, sometimes having an adaptation period prior to the start of school is a benefit. For preschoolers and younger children, it is best to book early morning appointments when they are more rested.

Young children, who come in for their first examination, should be booked along with an older sibling if possible. In my practice, I examine the older child first while the younger child watches, reducing fear and apprehension of the unknown. Parents should know that, for preschoolers, we have tests that allow us to accurately diagnose vision problems without the child having to read a chart. Even newborns can be examined this way.

More important than shoes and school supplies, regular eye examinations should be at the top of every back to school list.

John Skilling is an optometrist with the New Sudbury/Val Caron Family Vision Centre.