Beyond a Simple Screening
An estimated 25% of school-aged children suffer from vision problems. Simple vision screenings, like the ones done in schools, are not always enough to detect issues with your child’s sight.
Children need a comprehensive eye examination, not only to determine how well they can see but to assess their overall eye health, too. We’ll check their visual acuity, but we’ll also look deeper into the structure of the eyes, investigate how they work together, and identify any potential problems.
At West Coast Optical, we’re proud to care for every generation of your family. In fact, we first met many of our patients when they were just kids—and now we’re looking after their kids!
We offer free yearly children’s eye exams for those who have MSP!
Our friendly, caring team will put your child at ease. We’ll show them there is nothing scary about getting their eyes checked. A positive first experience with eye care can set your child up for a lifetime of regular vision care.
Facts About Frequency
Very few children under the age of 6 receive proper vision care. But regular eye exams are important for ensuring visual skills are developing properly, so it’s imperative to follow frequency recommendations.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends that infants have their first eye exam between 6 and 9 months of age. By this time, babies are beginning to look at objects in the distance and developing their hand-eye coordination.
They should already be able to see differences between colours and look at items held in their hands. An eye exam around this time helps ensure the eyes are working together properly and that important milestones are being met.‹‹
Between the ages of 2 and 5 years, children should have another eye exam. Drawing, colouring within lines, and cutting paper with scissors are all vision-related activities that should develop at this age. An exam before they start school will help set them up for academic success.
Once children begin school, they should have an annual eye exam every year until they turn 19.
We Love to See Their Success
Proper visual skills set children up for success in academics, sports, and life. Children learn by seeing—they copy and repeat behaviours. Social interactions rely on visual cues, so forming relationships and networks with others can be challenging for kids who can’t see well.
Visual skills are about more than just sight. They also involve things like hand-eye coordination—a necessity for success in sports. It’s pretty hard to catch or kick a ball if you can’t see it coming down the field.
Children with vision issues are at risk of being misdiagnosed with learning disabilities or conditions like ADHD. Undiagnosed vision issues can lead to other problems, too, including:
- Difficulty learning
- Delays in speech & language development
- Negative self-image
- Higher risk of dropping out of school
- Frustration with learning
- Behavioural problems
See the Signs of a Sight Problem
Children might not be able to tell you they don’t see well. They have no frame of reference to determine that their vision isn’t normal. In fact, they probably assume everyone sees the same way they do.
But, there are some telltale signs that your child might be struggling to see:
- Watery eyes
- Headaches
- Squinting
- Tilting the head
- Holding books close to the face
- Poor depth perception
- Repeating or skipping words when reading
- Trouble spelling
- Strong reactions to light
- Frequent blinking
- Recurring eye infections
Join Our Family
We look forward to providing your entire family with a lifetime of vision care. Book an appointment for your child today.
Come See Us
Find us right on the Fraser Highway near the Langley/Surrey border, one block from Willowbrook Shopping Centre in Langley!
Our Address
- 102B 19475 Fraser Hwy
- Surrey, BC V3S 6K7
Contact Information
- Phone: 604.533.1171
- Email: [email protected]
Our Hours
- Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Thursday: 9:30 PM – 8:00 PM
- Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
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West Coast Optical
- 102B 19475 Fraser Hwy
- Surrey, BC V3S 6K7
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P: 604.533.1171
[email protected]