In a recent survey carried out on behalf of the Canadian Association of Optometrists, Saskatchewan parents listed child eye health as one of their lowest medical priorities. In Saskatchewan, 40 per cent of parents do not take their child in for eye exams, more than double the amount in comparison to neighbouring provinces — Manitoba at 17 per cent and Alberta at only 12 per cent.
Dr. Lawrence, a practicing optometrist in North Battleford, says this figure is concerning because eye health is an important component to child development and overall health. In addition, regular eye exams can catch problems before they begin to manifest elsewhere.
"Untreated vision problems often cause reading difficulties and can elicit some of the same symptoms commonly attributed to issues such as ADHD, dyslexia and speech problems," says Dr. Lawrence.
Shelley MacKinnon, who first brought her younger son in for an eye exam when he was two years old, didn't notice any signs of trouble, but decided to book an appointment anyway. Doctors diagnosed him with farsightedness and prescribed glasses, and since then, MacKinnon says, "he's like a whole new kid."
"When he plays, he used to be a lot more careful, but now he runs as fast as he can."
Darlene Hill, whose daughter was six when she was diagnosed with nearsightedness, says she can see a change in her ability to focus.
"Before she would do something for a few minutes, but her attention would start to wander. Now she can sit and pay attention for longer, whereas before she couldn't see and would lose interest."
For Hill, getting regular eye exams for her daughter is a priority and, she stresses, it's free.
"Bottom line," Dr Lawrence says, "regular eye exams play an essential role in maintaining your child's health and ensuring they don't have a vision problem that is affecting their learning and development."
In Saskatchewan all individuals 18 and under are covered for an annual eye exam.
