Better Vision for Better Learning!

Good eye health is an important asset in a child’s optimal development. OPTOPLUS eyecare clinics invite you to act early to help detect any vision problems your child may face, control their progression, and ultimately, provide your child with every opportunity to see the world in a big way!            

A few Statistics

The statistics can be surprising when it comes to children’s vision. Did you know that:

• 80% of knowledge assimilation is dependent on the sense of sight.
• 1 in 10 children (pre-schoolers) have a visual problem that can affect their education.
• 1 in 5 children (primary school age) do not have adequate visual abilities to continue learning if their situation is not taken care of.

These figures clearly demonstrate that vision problems affect a child’s academic progress.

The Impact on Learning

If a child is experiencing problems at school, the first step is to book a comprehensive eye exam before making an appointment with a specialist, whether it be a specialized educator, remedial teacher, speech therapist or other.

Learning difficulties, as well as disappointing report card results, could partially be related to vison problems. A child experiencing difficulties reading the blackboard will likely have difficulty taking notes and homework and lessons will be more challenging for a child with blurred vision. It is therefore recommended to eliminate this possibility prior to investigating others.

Signs of a Visual Problem

In school, there are a few signs that can raise flags in terms of vision problems. For example, does your child:

• Have difficulty seeing the blackboard?
• Bring a book too close to their face to read?
• Squint or blink regularly to see more clearly?
• Experience difficulties in school?
• Experience developmental delays?

Eye Conditions

Certain eye conditions affect school-age children more frequently, for example:

• Myopia (far vision)
• Hyperopia (near vision)
• Astigmatism (blurred vision)
• Strabismus (misalignment of the eye)
• Amblyopia (lazy eye)

The Eye Exam

It is advised for your child to have their eyes examined before starting kindergarten, even if everything appears normal. Thereafter, regular follow-ups are recommended yearly.

Coverage in Quebec

For those under the age of 18, eye exams are covered by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Quebec (RAMQ).

In addition, thanks to the Quebec government’s See Better to Succeed program, offers a reimbursement of $300 every two years following the purchase of glasses or contact lenses for children under the age of 18.

A vision problem can quickly become and obstacle to a child’s learning and academic career. Moreover, few young people can identify an eye health problem on their own.

Do not hesitate to make an appointment, or simply request information with an optometrist at the OPTOPLUS eyecare clinic nearest you!

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References :

OOQ : https://www.ooq.org/fr/articles-et-publications/la-vision-et-lenfant

Familiprix : https://www.familiprix.com/fr/articles/vision-la-rentree-un-bon-moment-pour-un-examen-de-la-vue

RAMQ : https://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/fr/citoyens/programmes-aide/lunettes-verres-contact-enfants