Children won’t always say, “I can’t see.” Instead, they’ll lose interest in reading, get distracted in class, or fall behind in subjects they once loved. At Mainstreet Vision Care, our team in Edmonton knows how easy it is for vision problems in children to go unnoticed — and how crucial comprehensive eye exams are to catch them early.
The Link Between Vision and Learning Success
A child’s ability to succeed in school relies on how well they see. Nearly 80% of classroom learning happens through visual means — reading, writing, using computers, and seeing the teacher's instructions on the board. So, when a child has an undiagnosed vision problem, they aren’t just seeing poorly; they’re learning poorly. Common undiagnosed issues include:
- Myopia (difficulty seeing the board)
- Farsightedness (trouble reading up close)
- Astigmatism
- Eye coordination problems
- Difficulty focusing or tracking while reading
Even mild vision problems can create significant obstacles. A child who struggles to read a sentence might lose interest in schoolwork, feel frustrated with tasks others complete easily, or even be misdiagnosed with behavioural issues.
Top 6 Reasons to Keep up with Your Child's Eye Exams
Annual eye exams are about more than checking for blurry vision — they’re a key part of supporting your child’s overall growth and development. Here’s why keeping up with children's eye care matters:
1. Children’s Vision Changes Quickly
As children grow, so do their eyes — and their vision can shift from year to year. Regular exams catch changes early, so they’re not stuck using an outdated prescription that holds them back.
2. School Screenings Miss a Lot
Many parents assume school vision screenings are enough, but these brief checks often miss functional vision problems like tracking issues, eye coordination problems, and early signs of disease. A complete exam at Mainstreet Vision Care gives you the whole picture.
3. Vision Affects Behaviour
Poor vision doesn’t always show up as a complaint — it often appears as inattention, frustration, or acting out. A child labelled as “distracted” or “disruptive” might actually be struggling to see the page or the board.
4. Early Treatment Prevents Bigger Problems
Conditions like amblyopia (often called “lazy eye”) are far easier to treat when caught early. Annual exams help identify problems while they’re still highly treatable.
5. Healthy Eyes Support Emotional Confidence
When children can’t keep up with their classmates, it chips away at their confidence. Ensuring clear vision helps them stay engaged, feel capable, and build positive self-esteem.
6. Eye Health Isn’t Just About Vision
Our exams check for more than nearsightedness or farsightedness. We also screen for signs of eye disease, allergies, and even indicators of overall health — because your child’s well-being starts with their eyes.
The Real Cost of Missed Vision Problems in Kids
It’s easy to assume everything is fine if your child isn’t complaining about their eyesight. But most children adapt to what they see — even if it’s blurry or double — because they don’t know any different. This can delay diagnosis and lead to years of academic challenges that were preventable.
Here are a few long-term consequences of untreated vision issues:
- Missed learning opportunities: Students may fall behind in reading and comprehension.
- Increased frustration: School becomes more difficult, leading to emotional outbursts or a drop in motivation.
- Misdiagnosis: Vision problems may be mistaken for attention disorders or learning disabilities.
- Widening achievement gaps: Over time, small challenges can compound and create major obstacles in a child’s educational journey.
Parents want the best for their children, and sometimes the simplest solutions — like a new pair of kids' glasses — can make the biggest difference in their ability to succeed.
Helping Your Child Succeed with Eye Exams in Edmonton, AB
At Mainstreet Vision Care, we provide comprehensive eye exams designed to catch what school screenings might miss. Our compassionate team works closely with each child to assess not just how well they see, but how effectively their eyes work together, track, and focus. We take time to explain every step so that children feel comfortable — and parents feel confident.
Book your child's appointment. From testing near and distance vision to checking for signs of digital eye strain, we cover all the bases so your child can enter the school year equipped for success.