Why Booking Summer Eye Exams Sets Your Child Up for Success
With the final weeks of summer upon us and September fast approaching, it’s time to start preparing your child for a successful return to school. One of the most important—and often overlooked—steps is ensuring their vision is up to the task. Booking a summer eye exam now, while schedules are still flexible, ensures your child’s eyes are ready to take on a new academic year. At Dr. Sam Dhaliwal & Associates, we’re here to help your family avoid the last-minute scramble and start the school year with clarity and confidence.
Good vision is essential to learning. Children rely heavily on their eyesight for everything from reading and writing to viewing the whiteboard and engaging in classroom technology. Yet, many vision problems go unnoticed, especially in younger children who may not know how to explain what they’re experiencing. Booking an August eye exam gives you the time to catch any concerns and make corrections before your child sets foot in the classroom.
Vision Problems Can Disrupt Learning
Vision problems can significantly disrupt a child’s ability to learn, but they often go unnoticed. According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists, 1 in 4 school-aged children has an undetected vision issue. These problems can make it harder for kids to read, concentrate, or stay engaged in class, yet many children don’t realize their vision isn’t normal. Early detection through a comprehensive eye exam is key to identifying and correcting these issues before they interfere with your child’s academic performance.
Why August Is a Good Time for Eye Exams
August is the sweet spot for booking your child’s eye exam. Waiting until after school starts means dealing with packed schedules and limited appointment availability. Most clinics experience a surge in bookings in the last two weeks before school resumes. If you wait too long, you could end up with less convenient time slots—or worse, having to send your child back to school with unresolved vision issues.
By scheduling now, you not only avoid the rush but also give yourself enough time to fill prescriptions, order glasses, or explore specialized care like myopia control lenses. You’ll enter September knowing your child is seeing clearly and comfortably—and that’s one less thing to worry about.
What to Expect from a Back-to-School Eye Exam
At Dr. Sam Dhaliwal & Associates, our comprehensive children’s eye exams go beyond the standard vision screening. We assess:
- Visual acuity (distance and near vision)
- Eye alignment and movement
- Depth perception and focusing ability
- Eye health (internal and external examination)
We also evaluate your child’s risk for conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye turn), and early-onset myopia. Our goal is to detect and address any concerns early, before they interfere with learning or development.
Our clinic is welcoming and kid-friendly. We understand that some children may feel nervous about having their eyes checked, so we work hard to create a comfortable and engaging experience.
Don’t Overlook the Importance of Early Detection
Even if your child isn’t complaining about their eyesight, that doesn’t mean everything is fine. Kids may simply avoid reading or become frustrated with homework—issues that are easy to mistake for learning or behavioural challenges.
Vision screenings done at school or by a family doctor are helpful but not a substitute for a full exam by an optometrist. Only a complete eye exam can detect conditions like binocular vision dysfunction or subtle prescription changes that impact school performance.
Make the Most of Your Vision Benefits
Most insurance plans offer one covered eye exam per year for children. And in Alberta, annual exams for children under 19 are fully covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. This means there’s no out-of-pocket cost for your child’s visit, making it easy and affordable to prioritize their vision health. You can find more details through the Government of Alberta’s benefits page.
If your child needs glasses, your benefits may also cover some or all of the cost for frames and lenses. Booking in August gives you time to make selections, place orders, and make any adjustments before school starts.
Set Your Child Up for a Successful Year
Your child’s academic performance, comfort, and self-confidence all depend on clear vision. A comprehensive eye exam is one of the most valuable things you can do to support their learning. It helps prevent frustration, improves focus, and ensures they can fully participate in class activities.Don’t let vision challenges become an obstacle this school year. Avoid the back-to-school rush, skip the stress, and give your child the gift of clear, healthy sight. Schedule your child’s August eye exam today with Dr. Sam Dhaliwal & Associates—and send them back to school ready to succeed.