School’s out for summer! Who doesn’t love the feeling of so many empty weeks stretching out before you, just waiting to be filled with adventures? Summer break is a perfect time for kids to explore and grow. But it’s also a good time to check in on their health and put a plan into place for their continued academic success this September.
If your child hasn’t had a comprehensive eye exam recently, now is the time to book one. Scheduling appointments when children are relaxed can help to make the experience more positive. And if they do need new corrective eyewear or an adjustment to their existing prescription, a summer appointment can ensure they’re set up with the right lenses to return to school in the fall.
At Lethbridge Vision Care, we love helping children see their best! The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) covers yearly eye exams for all children under the age of 18. Here are some of the many reasons we recommend making sure you book an annual exam for your child:
Early detection
Many vision problems in children can go unnoticed as they may not realize they have an issue, or might not be able to express what it is. Regular eye exams enable us to detect vision problems early. This could include issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or lazy eye. Identifying these issues early is crucial so that we can implement successful treatment, prevent further complications, and ensure your child’s continued success at school and in their activities.
Academic performance
Too often, a child’s poor performance at school isn’t recognized as being connected to a vision problem, but good vision is essential for optimal learning. If a child isn’t able to see well, it can significantly impact their ability to read, write, and comprehend information. Yearly eye exams are necessary to help them achieve their academic potential, by enabling us to identify any potential vision-related barriers to their learning. Once these are addressed, your child will be better positioned to succeed in school.
Eye health monitoring
Eye exams don’t only assess visual acuity. They’re also an evaluation of the overall health of your eyes. We can detect conditions like eye infections, allergies, or even serious eye diseases during routine examinations. Early detection means early treatment, which can prevent long-term damage to eyes and promote healthy visual development in children.
Behavioural issues
Has your child been struggling with a behavioural issue? Have you ever considered that it may be vision-related? Some children with undiagnosed vision problems exhibit issues like poor attention span, frequent eye rubbing, squinting, or headaches. Their inability to focus in a classroom could be mistaken for a different behavioural concern. Make sure your child is screened annually for vision issues that might be contributing to concerning behaviours. Intervention can lead to better overall well-being and enhanced quality of life.
Eye safety
Children are accident prone! This also makes them prone to eye injuries during play and sports activities. Regular eye exams allow for discussions about eye safety and appropriate protective measures. By educating children about eye safety, we can help to prevent eye injuries and protect their long-term visual health.
Healthy habits
We love when children are introduced to regular eye exams early on. It helps them to understand the importance of maintaining good eye health throughout their lives. We can teach them healthy proactive habits that protect their vision, which leads to better overall eye health in adulthood.
At Lethbridge Vision Care, we’re committed to providing comprehensive eye exams specifically tailored to children. Our friendly and experienced team creates a comfortable and child-friendly environment, ensuring that the examination process is positive and stress-free.
By scheduling an eye exam for your child this summer, you’ll be taking a proactive step towards safeguarding their visual health, academic success, and overall wellness. Don’t wait for potential visual problems to hinder your child’s development. Invest in their future by prioritizing annual eye exams. We’ll make sure their vision is healthy and their corrective eyewear prescription is accurate, so that they’re all set to hit the books again this September!
