Why School Vision Screenings Are Not Enough
Alberta schools conduct basic vision screenings that check whether a child can read a specific line on a chart at distance. This test does not check:
- Near vision, which is what children use for most of their school day
- Eye tracking and the ability to follow a line of text across a page
- Eye teaming, meaning how well the two eyes work together
- Focusing flexibility between the board and a desk
- Early signs of myopia progression
- Colour vision deficiencies
A child can pass every school screening and still have a vision problem that makes reading exhausting and comprehension difficult. The only way to rule these problems out is a full examination with a licensed Edmonton pediatric optometrist.
How Vision Problems Affect School Performance
Vision problems in children are frequently misidentified as attention deficits, learning disabilities, or behavioral issues. A child who struggles to read may not have a reading problem. They may have a vision problem that makes the act of reading physically uncomfortable. An annual children’s eye exam in Edmonton is the only reliable way to find out.
What a Back-to-School Eye Exam Covers
- Distance and near visual acuity: How clearly your child sees at the distances they need for reading and board work.
- Refraction: The precise measurement of any prescription correction needed.
- Eye alignment and binocular vision: How well the eyes work as a team. Misalignment causes double vision and eye strain during close work.
- Tracking and fixation: Whether your child can follow a moving target smoothly, a skill directly tied to reading fluency.
- Accommodative function: How efficiently the eyes shift focus between near and distance.
- Colour vision: Relevant for classroom materials, maps, and science subjects.
- Eye health: Internal examination of the retina, optic nerve, and anterior structures.
When Should You Book?
July is the ideal time. Appointment slots fill up in August as back-to-school demand peaks. If glasses are needed, your child has time to adapt before the school year starts. If a referral to a specialist is needed, there is time to arrange it. Alberta Health Care covers one eye exam per year for all children under 19 at no cost, so there is no financial barrier.
Is My Child Covered for an Eye Exam?
Yes. AHCIP covers one comprehensive eye exam per year for every child under 19 in Alberta at no cost. Bring your Alberta Health Care card to the appointment. For a full breakdown of what is covered at different ages, read our guide on Alberta Health Care eye exam coverage in Edmonton.
What If My Child Needs Glasses for School?
We carry a full range of children’s prescription glasses in Edmonton in durable frames designed for active kids. If your child is older and considering contact lenses, a contact lens exam in Edmonton can determine whether lenses are appropriate for their age and prescription.
Myopia: The Fastest-Growing Vision Problem in Edmonton School-Age Children
If your child’s prescription changed significantly at their last exam, it is worth discussing myopia management before the next school year begins. Early intervention can slow the progression of myopia and reduce long-term risk of conditions like retinal detachment and glaucoma. Read our detailed post on myopia control in Edmonton children for more information.
Book Your Child’s Back-to-School Eye Exam in Edmonton
Eyes On Optometry is welcoming new pediatric patients for back-to-school appointments. Exams are covered by Alberta Health Care for everyone under 19. Book your child’s eye exam online or call us today to secure a July or August appointment before the rush.