Before the pencils are sharpened and the backpacks zipped, make sure your child’s eyes are ready for the classroom.
Learn why a back-to-school eye exam at Waterloo West Optometry in Waterloo could be the most important item on your school checklist.
Why schedule an exam before school starts?
Vision plays a critical role in how children learn. From reading the whiteboard to focusing on digital tablets, a child’s visual system needs to be working efficiently.
A pediatric eye exam before school helps catch vision issues early – before they can disrupt learning or behavior.
How common are vision problems in kids?
More common than most people think. The Canadian Association of Optometrists estimates that 1 in 4 school-aged children has a vision problem significant enough to impact learning.
These issues often go unnoticed because kids don’t always know their vision is off – they just adapt.
What does a pediatric eye exam include?
Our eye exams for kids are thorough, yet kid-friendly. We check for:
- Visual acuity (how clearly your child sees)
- Eye tracking and focusing
- Binocular vision (how well the eyes work together)
- Depth perception
- Eye health and overall development
These tests help identify conditions like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, and even eye coordination issues that can mimic learning disorders.
How often should kids get their eyes checked?
The general guideline is:
- First eye exam at 6 months
- Another at age 3
- Then annually once they start school
Annual checkups help monitor changes in prescription and catch issues early. If your child wears glasses or has a known eye condition, more frequent visits may be recommended.
Can vision issues affect behavior or grades?
Absolutely. Undiagnosed vision problems can make it hard for kids to concentrate, follow along, or sit still. Struggling readers may actually be struggling seers.
Some vision conditions even present symptoms similar to ADHD.
Are screens and dry eyes a concern for kids?
They can be. While screen use is often necessary for schoolwork, it also contributes to digital eye strain and may accelerate myopia in some children. Common symptoms include tired eyes, blurry vision, and headaches.
During an eye exam, we can recommend screen time guidelines and lens options that may help reduce strain.
What signs should parents watch for?
Children rarely complain about vision problems – they assume everyone sees the way they do. Here are red flags to watch out for:
- Squinting or tilting the head
- Complaining of headaches or tired eyes
- Holding books or devices too close
- Skipping lines while reading
- Rubbing eyes often
- Avoiding near work like reading or writing
How does Waterloo West Optometry make exams stress-free?
We get it – kids can be nervous around doctors. That’s why our team creates a calm, welcoming environment. We use child-friendly language and tools, and we move at your child’s pace.
Our eye doctor in Waterloo has experience working with kids of all ages, including those with sensory sensitivities.
What happens if glasses are needed?
We’ll walk you through the prescription, and our optical team will help your child find frames that fit comfortably and match their personality. We stock durable, lightweight styles with kid-friendly features – think bendable arms and impact-resistant lenses.
If your child already wears glasses, now’s a great time to check for prescription updates before the school year begins.
Your Back-to-School Eye Care Checklist
- Schedule a pediatric eye exam
- Update your child’s glasses if needed
- Set healthy screen time boundaries
- Follow up on any past vision concerns
Ready to book? Use our easy online booking system or call 519 888 6060 to request your child’s back-to-school eye exam in Waterloo. And don’t forget to follow us on social for the latest on promotions and vision tips!