Children's Vision Health Among Lowest Health Priority for B.C. Parents

Parents remain unaware about connection between vision health and children's learning and development.

VANCOUVER, Oct. 2, 2017 /CNW/ - As part of Children's Vision Month this October, BC Doctors of Optometry is encouraging parents to prioritize their child's eye health since many are unaware that vision problems can cause learning and developmental delays.

A study conducted on behalf of the Canadian Association of Optometrists found that the majority of parents in B.C. do not realize the impact that vision problems can have on the long-term health of their children. For example, the study shows that 83 per cent of B.C. parents are unaware that vision problems can lead to developmental delays, and 57 per cent don't know that vision problems may be the cause of a child's short attention span.

"As children head back to school, and all throughout the year, we strongly encourage parents throughout B.C. to keep their child's eye health a top priority," says Dr. Amanda Farley, President of BC Doctors of Optometry. "We know that 80 per cent of a child's learning is achieved through what they can see, so identifying a vision problem early is essential for a child to grow into their full potential."

The study also found that parents in B.C. ranked vision health among one of the lowest priorities for their child's overall health, with only 22 per cent choosing it as one of their top three concerns. "As an optometrist and mother, these statistics are particularly concerning because many common vision problems can imitate symptoms of other childhood development issues including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and speech impediments," says Dr. Farley.

A comprehensive eye exam with a BC doctor of optometry is the best way to ensure vision health problems do not go undetected or untreated, such as nearsightedness, improper eye alignment, or reduced vision in one eye due to the eye and brain not working together properly, otherwise known as a lazy eye.

BC Doctors of Optometry recommends that children have their first eye exam between six and nine months of age, their second between the ages of two and five and every year after starting school, unless instructed otherwise by their optometrist. 

About BC Doctors of Optometry

BC Doctors of Optometry is dedicated to advancing the profession of optometry, and is the voice on issues affecting the eye health of all British Columbians. BC Doctors of Optometry is a primary source for vision, eye health and eyewear needs. Doctors of optometry diagnose, treat and help prevent diseases and disorders affecting the eyes and the visual system, and also assist in identifying general health conditions that are often first detected through an eye exam.

For more information or to find a BC Doctor of Optometry, visit www.bc.doctorsofoptometry.ca and https://www.facebook.com/BCDoctorsofOptometry/

SOURCE BC Doctors of Optometry

For further information: Media Contact: Christina Panagio, Manager Communications and Member Engagement, [e-mail], 604.737.9907