Back-to-School Eye Care: Calgary Vision Tips for Every Age

The Importance of Annual Eye Exams for Students 

Vision plays a major role in a child’s academic performance, yet it’s often overlooked during back-to-school prep. Children may not realize their vision is impaired, and parents might not notice until academic or behavioural issues arise. 

An annual eye exam is one of the most effective ways to catch vision problems early. According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists, one in four school-aged children has a vision issue that can impact learning. At Blink Eyewear, we offer pediatric eye exams designed to detect common concerns like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and eye coordination issues before they affect your child’s school experience. 

Why Back-to-School Timing Matters 

Summer is the perfect time to schedule an eye exam. It allows time for treatment or updated prescriptions before school starts. For kids who wear glasses or contact lenses, it's especially important to check whether their current prescription still suits their needs. 

In addition to identifying vision problems, a back-to-school exam provides an opportunity to talk about screen time habits. With increased digital learning and device use, our optometrists can help you set healthy boundaries and reduce digital eye strain. 

Vision Care for Every Age Group 

From preschoolers to teens, vision needs evolve. Younger children may need exams to assess development, while older students may require support with screen-related fatigue or contact lens management. 

At Blink Eyewear, we tailor our care based on your child’s age and lifestyle. For early learners, we assess visual development and ensure they’re hitting key milestones. For high school students, we address needs like sports vision, headaches, and study-related eye fatigue. Our clinics in SW and NW Calgary are equipped to meet each child’s changing vision requirements with compassion and precision. 

Pediatric-Friendly Optometrists in Calgary 

We know that children need a calm, friendly environment to feel comfortable during an eye exam. Our team of experienced Calgary optometrists creates a positive experience from the moment you walk through the door. 

Each of our three locations—Crowfoot, West Springs, and Creekside—provides a family-friendly space and caring professionals who explain each step in a way that helps kids feel at ease. Whether your child is coming in for their first appointment or a yearly check-up, we make their comfort a priority. 

When Should Your Child Get Their Eyes Checked? 

In Alberta, children should receive their first eye exam between 6 and 9 months old, another around age 3, and then annually starting at age 5. Alberta Health covers annual eye exams for all children under 19, making it accessible for every family. 

Even if your child doesn’t report issues, regular exams are still important. Kids often adapt to vision problems without realizing it, which can lead to missed diagnoses. Our comprehensive exams go beyond a simple vision check to assess the full health of your child’s eyes. 

Start the School Year With Confidence and Clarity 

Back-to-school season is more than just new backpacks and notebooks—it’s about making sure your child has everything they need to succeed. Vision is a key part of that. 

At Blink Eyewear, we provide expert, age-appropriate eye care in Calgary, serving families in Crowfoot, West Springs, and Creekside. We make it easy to schedule, understand, and maintain your child’s eye health through every stage of growth. 

Contact Blink Eyewear today to book a back-to-school eye exam and start the year with clarity and confidence.