IS AN EYE EXAM ON YOUR “BACK TO SCHOOL” LIST?

August 18, 2014
Eye Exam

With back-to-school already upon us, many parents are thinking about getting their kid’s eyes examined. This is an important step to take to ensure your child is ready to take on the challenges of another school year. Here are some interesting facts about eye health – for ALL ages, courtesy of the Canadian Association of Optometrists web page:

Up to 80% of learning is visual, and as many as one in seven children may have a vision disorder that could affect their performance in school.  Sometimes parents, teachers and even the child may not be aware of any problems with vision. Certainly symptoms such as squinting, headaches, trouble reading for extended periods, and complaints of vision need to be followed up, but what about the child who is struggling through their school year, unaware of any issues with their vision?

This scenario is more common than you might think.  Children, particularly those under the age of 10, often do not notice a vision problem.  They naturally think that everyone sees the way they do, as they have nothing to compare it to.

We often hear comments from parents like “I’m sure she is fine – she can spot things far away a lot sooner than we can”.  This information actually tells us very little about someone’s overall vision capabilities, and actually tells us nothing about the ability for the child to perform complex distance-near focusing or prolonged reading tasks required during the school year.

Check off one of the most important items on your back-to-school list and book your kids in for an eye exam, before the rush starts!

-Dr. Wilk

A close-up view of a human eye with a brown iris, defined eyelashes, and a well-groomed eyebrow.
By Tom Wilk March 21, 2026
Smooth, tighten, and refresh your eyelids without surgery. Discover how Jett Plasma treatment reduces wrinkles, lifts sagging skin, and restores a more youthful, confident look.
Man wearing enchroma sunglasses smiling
By Rosendo C March 18, 2026
Experience colour like never before. Book an EnChroma consultation in Calgary to test glasses designed for colour blindness and try them in real life before you buy them.
Close-up of a person's eye and nose, wearing eyeglasses with horizontal lines distorting the view.
By Rosendo C March 17, 2026
Struggling with double vision or eye strain? Discover how prism glasses help align vision and improve everyday comfort.
Comparison of eyeglasses with and without coatings.
By Rosendo C March 11, 2026
Discover the top lens coatings that improve clarity, comfort, and durability. Learn which coatings are worth it for your glasses and lifestyle.
Woman with bob haircut and large blue and purple glasses, furrowing her brow and pursing her lips.
By Rosendo C February 11, 2026
Online glasses may look like a bargain, but poor fit and subpar lenses can lead to discomfort and blurry vision. Here's what to watch out for.
Surgeon holding an intraocular lens with forceps, next to its plastic case, in a sterile setting.
By Tom Wilk February 11, 2026
Explore your intraocular lens (IOL) options after cataract surgery. Learn the pros, cons, and benefits of each type to make the right choice for your vision.
Woman with long dark hair, holding her chin, looking thoughtful, indoors.
By Tom Wilk February 11, 2026
Think you don't need an eye exam if you have perfect vision? Learn why regular eye exams are essential for your overall health and long-term eye comfort.
Woman undergoing eye exam with a slit lamp and an assistant holding a lens.
By Tom Wilk January 28, 2026
Discover how dry eye can impact your cataract surgery results and what you can do to improve healing and clarity before your procedure.
Woman having an eye exam with a slit lamp machine, smiling.
By Tom Wilk January 27, 2026
Think your eyes are fine? Learn why skipping regular eye exams could put your vision and overall health at risk, even without symptoms.
Child receiving eye exam with doctor, mother present. White medical office.
By Tom Wilk January 27, 2026
Discover the main causes of myopia in children and how to protect your child’s vision. Find practical steps you can take to reduce the risk of progression.
Show More