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

Man having an eye exam with an ophthalmoscope, being examined by a doctor.
By Tom Wilk November 27, 2025
Wondering what to ask before cataract surgery? Here are the top 7 questions to ensure you're confident, prepared, and ready for clearer vision.
Woman with  blonde hair and glasses, resting chin on hand, smiling.
By Rosendo C November 26, 2025
Struggling with progressive lenses? Discover practical tips to ease the transition, improve clarity, and avoid common mistakes.
Man with glasses in hand is touching his eyes like he is in pain.
By Rosendo C November 26, 2025
Discover how antifatigue lenses reduce digital eye strain, enhance comfort, and support healthier vision.
Black-framed glasses, one lens clean, one smudged. Icons show cleaning supplies, hairspray, bug spray, and sunscreen.
By Rosendo C October 29, 2025
Discover the everyday chemicals quietly damaging your eyeglass lenses. Learn how to avoid them and keep your vision crystal clear.
Woman with pink glasses and ponytail, thoughtful expression, with math equations in background.
By Tom Wilk October 29, 2025
Confused by your eye prescription? Learn what those numbers mean, from SPH to CYL, and how they impact your vision and glasses.
Comparison of IPL, RF, and Jett Plasma devices; white and teal/purple medical equipment with labels.
By Richard Wilk October 29, 2025
Struggling with dry eye? Learn the differences between IPL, RF, and Jett Plasma treatments, and find out which option may be right for you.
Boy stressed, holding head in hands, over a notebook with a ruler and pencils on a desk.
By Tom Wilk September 22, 2025
Think your child has ADHD? It could be a vision issue. Learn how to spot the differences and why a full eye exam should be your first step.
A Black man in sunglasses holding a saxophone, standing on a city street with a building in the background.
By Rosendo C September 17, 2025
Discover MOSCOT’s Fall 2025 Collection: Living History. Inspired by New York’s storytellers, creators, and visionaries, this five-frame release blends bold design, timeless craftsmanship, and authentic Lower East Side heritage.
Woman with gray hair, seated, holding her face, eyes closed, looking distressed.
By Rosendo C September 10, 2025
Struggling with progressive lenses? Learn how frame fit, lens design, and daily habits can improve comfort, reduce distortion, and help you adapt with confidence.
Older man with glasses looking at a laptop, sitting on a couch.
By Rosendo C September 3, 2025
Discover office lenses: indoor glasses that reduce digital eye strain and improve comfort, clarity, and focus during extended screen time.
Show More