Many parents may not recognize the importance of children’s eye exams. However, statistics reveal a pressing need. For instance, myopia prevalence has increased significantly among children. In fact, the number of myopic 6-year-old children nearly tripled in 2020 compared to previous years¹.
Back-to-school season provides an ideal opportunity to engage with your community about the importance of eye exams for children. Promoting vision health during this critical time can help ensure that children are prepared for academic success and overall well-being.
Good eye health starts in childhood
Childhood is a pivotal time to establish and maintain good vision health. Here are some key reasons why early eye exams are essential for children:
Success in school
Vision problems can sometimes present as behavioural or learning disabilities. Undiagnosed, vision issues can lead to difficulty in reading, writing, and focusing in class. This could even result in poor academic performance.
Regular eye exams can help identify and correct these issues early, giving children the visual tools they need to succeed in school. According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists, healthy vision is essential for a child's overall well-being and success in school and extracurricular activities. Detecting and addressing vision problems promptly can significantly impact a child's ability to learn and perform academically.
Prevalence of myopia
Myopia is becoming increasingly common among children. In fact, projections indicate that half the world's population will be myopic by 2050². This makes early intervention essential.
Early detection through eye exams can help manage and slow the progression of myopia, reducing the risk of more severe vision problems later in life. Additionally, getting kids early treatment, such as with HOYA Vision Care Canada’s MiYOSMART lenses, can further help slow the progression of myopia effectively³.
Establishing a baseline
Early eye exams establish a baseline for a child’s vision health, which helps eye care professionals (ECPs) better detect changes or issues as they grow. This baseline can be invaluable for identifying and addressing vision problems before they become more serious or harder to treat.
Detecting eye conditions early
Some eye conditions, such as amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes), are more effectively treated when detected early. Early eye exams can help catch these conditions while they are still highly treatable, preventing long-term vision problems.
Indicating overall health
Eye exams can also reveal other health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, which can affect eye health. Regular eye exams for children can contribute to their overall health and well-being by identifying these conditions early.
As an ECP, chances are you already know these key reasons kids’ eye exams matter. But how can you raise awareness in your community? Here are some ways you can become a community advocate while driving new growth to your practice.
Building partnerships in your community
Creating strong partnerships within your community can greatly enhance your efforts to promote children's vision health. Here are a few ways you can partner with your community:
1. Schools and educators
Partner with schools for back-to-school eye exams. Offer your services as a referral source/provider when school staff detect vision problems. Become the “point person” for vision health by providing educational sessions for teachers and staff on how to identify common vision issues in children.
Tip: Offer to participate in school health fairs and parent-teacher meetings to emphasize the importance of regular eye exams.
2. Local businesses and organizations
Create awareness campaigns and distribute flyers to local businesses and community organizations. Collaborate with youth organizations, such as Scouts Canada and sports leagues, to promote eye health through informational sessions and eye screenings. This collaboration can help you reach a wider audience and make a greater impact on children's vision health.
Tip: Consider working with local governments and public health departments to integrate vision care into broader public health initiatives.
3. Social media
Don’t forget the power you have to reach a larger audience through social media! Create and share content through email newsletters, your practice’s website, and online community groups. Highlight informative posts about children's vision health, share success stories, and provide tips for parents.
Tip: You can also leverage HOYA Vision Care Canada’s Instagram page for engaging messaging that can be easily shared within your community.
Community involvement initiatives ideas
There are so many ideas you can use to drive awareness in your community, increase eye exams, and set yourself apart from your competitors.
Here are a few to get you started:
