From the editor
The NCVH says fewer than 14 per cent of
Canadian kids under the age of six have had an
eye exam.
This issue of Optical Prism magazine is focused on
all things kids and eyecare - from information on
the latest in children’s frames to expert opinions
on how often children should be seen by an ECP.
You will also find information on an important
Canadian study that examines the link between
excessive screen time and developmental delays in
young children.
Nearly a quarter of Canadian school-aged
children have vision problems, according to the
latest research from The National Coalition for
Vision Health.
The organization says six out of 10 children who
are experiencing reading difficulties have an
uncorrected or undiagnosed vision issue. Experts
go on to note that about 80 per cent of what a child
learns in the first 12 years of their lives comes
through visual information.
The NCVH also says that certain eye conditions,
including amblyopia and strabismus can lead to
visual impairment and blindness if not corrected
before a child reaches age 10.
The report revealed that preschoolers who get
too much screen time on video games, internet-
connected devices and television screens show
delays and deficits in learning by the time they
begin school.
We also speak with an expert from the Canadian
Association of Optometrists on how ECPs can get
more kids into their examination chairs and the
importance of regular eye exams for kids.
We hope you enjoy this issue.
Also, be sure to visit our website, opticalprism.ca,
for the latest in eyewear and eyecare news
and to browse our previous editions. Join our
Optical Prism Facebook page as well and follow
our @OpticalPrism Twitter account.
All of this information highlights the vital role
that eye care professionals play in Canada’s health
care system.
It also illustrates how important it is for parents
to ensure their children make regular visits to
an ECP, something that is not happening often
enough in Canada.
Denis Langlois,
Editor.
Don’t forget to check us out on social media and
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eyewear information.
6 Optical Prism | July 2019