As summer unfolds and families enjoy the freedom of school break, it’s also the ideal time to prepare for a healthy start to the school year. One of the most overlooked—but essential—steps in back-to-school preparation is a comprehensive eye exam for your child. At Lethbridge Vision Care, we make it simple and stress-free to get your child’s vision checked, helping set them up for academic, athletic, and social success.

Children rely on their eyesight for nearly every aspect of learning. Yet many vision problems go unnoticed until they begin to affect performance. Book your child’s eye exam today and give them the clarity and confidence they deserve before September rolls around.

Why Back-to-School Eye Exams Matter

Vision plays a key role in a child’s development. According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists, approximately 25% of school-age children have vision problems, many of which can go undetected without a proper eye exam. Kids may not realize their sight is blurry or that they’re struggling to focus, especially if the issue has been present since early childhood.

That’s why a back-to-school eye exam isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have. Summer break provides the flexibility to schedule appointments without interfering with classes or extracurriculars. And if your child needs corrective lenses or further treatment, July and August give you time to act before the school year begins.

Early detection allows for early intervention, which is critical in managing vision problems like nearsightedness, amblyopia (lazy eye), or eye-teaming issues. These can affect reading ability, attention span, sports performance, and even self-esteem.

What’s Included in a Children’s Eye Exam?

At Lethbridge Vision Care, our comprehensive exams go far beyond a simple vision screening. We assess the full function and health of your child’s eyes, looking for both refractive errors and more complex concerns. A typical exam includes:

• Visual acuity testing at near and far distances
  
• Binocular vision assessment to evaluate how well the eyes work together
  
• Eye tracking and focusing tests to assess the eyes’ ability to move and adjust
  
• Depth perception and peripheral vision checks
  
• Eye health evaluation to screen for conditions like strabismus (eye turn), amblyopia, and even early signs of chronic health problems
  

We take a child-friendly approach, ensuring your little one feels comfortable, engaged, and even excited during their appointment. Our optometrists are experienced in working with kids and use age-appropriate language and tools throughout the process.

Alberta Health Coverage Makes It Easy

One of the best things about living in Alberta? Alberta Health fully covers children’s eye exams. That’s right—if your child is 18 years of age or younger, they are eligible for one comprehensive eye exam per year at no out-of-pocket cost.

We also offer direct billing to most major insurance providers, so even if your child needs glasses or follow-up care, we’ll help you understand your benefits and coverage options.

If you’re unsure what your plan includes, our administrative staff can help clarify the details and walk you through the process.

The Signs of a Vision Problem in Children

Children may not always tell you they’re having trouble seeing—because they might not even realize it. That’s why parents and teachers often play a key role in spotting the signs. Watch for:

• Squinting, covering one eye, or sitting too close to screens
  
• Difficulty reading or frequent loss of place while reading
  
• Headaches or eye rubbing
  
• Short attention span during visual tasks
  
• Complaints about blurry or double vision
  
• Trouble catching balls or navigating obstacles

Even if your child isn’t displaying any obvious symptoms, an annual eye exam is still recommended. Vision can change quickly during childhood, and many issues are most easily treated when caught early.

Why Choose Lethbridge Vision Care?

When it comes to your child’s eyesight, compassionate and precise care makes all the difference. At Lethbridge Vision Care, we’re proud to offer specialized pediatric optometry services tailored to the unique needs of young patients. Our approach ensures that children feel at ease from the moment they walk through the door, creating a positive experience that encourages lifelong eye health habits.

Our clinic combines a warm, family-friendly environment with cutting-edge diagnostic technology to deliver accurate assessments and effective care. Whether your child needs a basic check-up or more involved treatment, we’re equipped to handle it with expertise and kindness.

We also know how important style and durability are when it comes to children’s eyewear. That’s why we offer a wide selection of frames that are both fun to wear and built to last, so your child can feel confident in the classroom and on the playground.

To make things even easier for busy families, we provide convenient online booking and flexible scheduling options throughout the summer. Whether your child is preparing for their first year of kindergarten or heading into high school, our experienced team is here to help them see the world clearly and confidently.

A Clear Start for a Bright Future

Vision problems can silently hold your child back. By scheduling a back-to-school eye exam this summer, you’re giving them the tools to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and beyond. It’s one of the easiest, most effective ways to support their success and well-being.Don’t wait until September. Get ahead of the rush, take advantage of Alberta Health coverage, and book your child’s exam with Lethbridge Vision Care today. If you have questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us—our friendly team is here to help.