By: Suzanne Decary
Do you remember how old you were when you had your first eye exam? I think I was around six or seven. I wasn’t having any noticeable issues with my vision, but my mom wanted to get me in to see her ophthalmologist before he retired. I didn’t have another eye exam until high school — when I realized I was the only one of my friends who couldn’t see the board from the back of the classroom.
It had never occurred to me or my parents to book regular eye exams if I wasn’t showing obvious signs of a problem. But the truth is: I was having issues, I just didn’t know it. It took my classmates saying, “I think you need glasses,” for me to realize I wasn’t seeing the world as clearly as everyone else.
Most people don’t know the recommended schedule for children’s eye exams in Canada. First is at 6 months, again between ages 2–5, then annually. That’s why CNIB has launched a Back-to-School Eye Exam Campaign – to ensure that every child in Canada receives a comprehensive eye exam before they start school.
When an issue is detected early, they can often be treated quickly and effectively, setting kids up for success in the classroom, on the playground, and beyond.
1 in 4 school-age children has an undiagnosed issue with their vision. Many children don’t get an eye exam until they’re already struggling with reading, learning, or social interactions — challenges that can lead to long-term impacts on confidence and development.
Our campaign is calling on leaders and communities across Canada to take action!
We’re asking:
- Provincial governments to invest in public awareness and ensure access to early childhood eye care
- School boards and educators to make vision health part of school readiness
- Parents and caregivers to book comprehensive eye exams before a child’s first day of kindergarten
- Health care providers to include vision referrals in early-childhood care routines
Together, we can make universal access to eye care a reality and ensure no child’s potential is held back by an untreated issue with their vision, and that children with sight loss, and their parents, receive the best possible support as early as possible.
Show your support by signing CNIB’s Children’s Charter.