Back-to-school season often brings new shoes, sharpened pencils, and growing excitement about the year ahead. But for many families, one essential step gets missed: the eye exam. Undiagnosed vision issues can hold students back before the first bell even rings.
At Eye Contacts, we provide comprehensive eye exams in Vancouver designed to detect common childhood vision issues that might go unnoticed during a school screening. These exams don’t just support eyesight — they help your child stay focused, confident, and prepared to succeed.
How Vision Problems Affect Learning
Children rely on their eyesight for over 80% of classroom learning. Reading, writing, copying from the board, and interacting with peers all require clear, coordinated vision. If something’s off, your child might not even know it — but their school performance will show it. Common signs that there might be a problem with your child's vision: Frequent squinting Headaches or eye rubbing Sitting too close to the TV Difficulty concentrating on reading or homework Avoiding books or near work Covering one eye while reading Falling behind in class These signs can mimic attention or behavioural issues, but many are rooted in undiagnosed vision conditions like myopia (nearsightedness), amblyopia (lazy eye), or convergence insufficiency.
What’s the Difference Between a School Screening and a Comprehensive Eye Exam?
A school vision screening is a quick check that might catch some basic vision concerns, like whether your child can see the board. But it doesn’t provide a complete picture of their eye health. A comprehensive eye exam evaluates: Visual acuity (sharpness of sight), Binocular vision (how well the eyes work together), Eye tracking and focusing skills, Internal eye health and development, Early signs of conditions like myopia or amblyopia Because children’s vision can change rapidly — especially during growth spurts — annual exams help ensure those changes don’t interrupt their learning.
6 Benefits of Back-to-School Eye Exams
A comprehensive eye exam before the school year begins isn’t just about crossing off a checklist — it’s a smart step that can make a real difference in your child’s academic and personal development. Here’s how:
1. Supports Strong Academic Performance
Reading, writing, and screen use all depend on clear, comfortable vision. Even slight prescription changes can impact reading comprehension, attention span, and test scores. An updated prescription gives your child the tools they need for academic success.
2. Prevents Behavioural Misdiagnosis
Vision problems often present as frustration, hyperactivity, or inattention. Without an eye exam, these behaviours may be mistaken for learning or behavioural disorders. Addressing undiagnosed vision issues early can help avoid unnecessary interventions.
3. Catches Silent Conditions Early
Some eye diseases, like amblyopia or early myopia, don’t cause noticeable symptoms at first. Eye exams are the only way to catch these conditions before they affect daily life — and early treatment often leads to better long-term outcomes.
4. Reduces Eye Strain and Fatigue
With elevated screen use in schools, many children experience headaches, dry eyes, and difficulty focusing. Eye exams help us fine-tune prescriptions, recommend blue light protection, and ensure the eyes are working together the way they should.
5. Builds Confidence and Self-Esteem
When a child struggles to see clearly, it can make reading out loud, playing sports, or participating in class more difficult. Clear vision boosts self-assurance, making it easier to engage socially and academically.
6. Sets a Healthy Foundation for Life
Vision changes as children grow, and annual exams help track development and catch trends over time. Starting the habit young encourages proactive eye care and gives your child the lifelong benefit of protecting their sight early.
When Should Children Have Their Eyes Checked?
The Medical Services Plan (MSP) covers routine eye exams for children under 19. This makes scheduling an exam before the school year starts both practical and affordable. We recommend: First exam between 6–9 months, at least one exam between ages 2–5. Annually from age 6 onward. Even if your child passed last year’s screening, it’s still possible for vision to change — especially as school demands increase and screen time rises. Annual exams help our eye doctors track those changes and support your child’s development every step of the way.
Start the School Year Strong: Eye Exams for Children in Vancouver, British Columbia
Back-to-school season is more than just school supplies and new routines — it’s an opportunity to support your child’s success with clear, comfortable vision. At , we’ve spent over 30 years helping Vancouver families see better, learn more easily, and feel more confident at every age. Book your child's eye care appointment to set them up for success this school year.
Back-to-School Eye Exam FAQs
How long does a child’s eye exam take?
A comprehensive pediatric eye exam usually takes about 30–45 minutes. We take time to make your child feel comfortable and explain each step of the process.
What if my child doesn’t know their letters yet?
No problem. We use age-appropriate tests, like pictures or shapes, to assess vision even if your child can’t read yet.
Is an eye exam really necessary if my child isn’t complaining?
Yes. Many vision issues don’t cause obvious symptoms at first. Children may not realize they see differently — they think everyone sees the way they do.
