August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

Protecting Young Vision for a Lifetime of Clear Sight

August marks Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, a national health observance dedicated to promoting awareness about the importance of eye exams, early detection, and injury prevention in children. As the school year approaches, it’s the perfect time to check in on your child’s eye health—not just for learning success, but for lifelong well-being.

At Valley Vision Optometry, we’re committed to ensuring that kids in Port Alberni and surrounding communities start the school year with clear, comfortable, and protected vision. Whether it’s identifying uncorrected vision issues or preventing injury on the playground or in sports, early care makes a lasting difference.

A Quick Look at the History of Children’s Eye Health Month

Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month was established to spotlight the critical role of early vision care. It’s timed intentionally in August to align with the back-to-school season ——whenarents are already focused on physicals, supplies, and classroom readiness. But vision often gets overlooked.

This national observance was created by eye care professionals and public health advocates who recognized that 80% of learning in a child’s early years is visual—and yet, many children with vision problems remain undiagnosed.

Routine vision screenings (like those offered in schools) are helpful, but they don’t always catch everything. That’s why comprehensive eye exams with an optometrist are vital—especially during these developmental years.

Why Children’s Eye Health Deserves Attention

Vision problems in childhood are more common than most parents realize, and they often go unnoticed because kids don’t always recognize their symptoms or know how to describe what they’re experiencing. They assume that everyone sees the world the same way they do.

Some key reasons to prioritize your child’s eye care include:

Vision impacts learning, reading, coordination, and confidence
Early treatment for conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (eye turn) is most effective in childhood
Uncorrected vision problems can mimic behavioral issues or attention deficits
Many eye diseases and injuries are preventable with the right care and protection

Common Childhood Vision Problems

Some of the most frequent causes of vision issues in children include:

Refractive errors: Nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism
Amblyopia: Often known as “lazy eye,” where one eye is weaker due to poor development
Strabismus: Misalignment of the eyes (crossed or turned eye)
Eye coordination or tracking difficulties: Can impact reading ability and visual focus
Color vision deficiencies: Often genetic, and usually more common in boys
Digital eye strain: Increasingly common with more screen time, especially post-pandemic

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Your child may not say something is wrong with their eyes—so it’s important to look for nonverbal clues. Some of the most common signs of a vision issue include:

Squinting, blinking excessively, or closing one eye
Complaints of headaches or eye strain
Tilting the head to one side when reading or watching TV
Losing place when reading or skipping lines
Holding reading material too close to the face
Rubbing the eyes frequently
Avoiding close work or activities that require focus
Unexplained drop in academic performance
Trouble catching a ball, riding a bike, or noticing things in the distance

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, a comprehensive pediatric eye exam is the next step.

The Importance of Eye Safety

In addition to vision development, August also emphasizes eye safety—especiallyuring play, sports, and outdoor activities.

Eye injuries are one of the leading causes of vision loss in children, and many are completely preventable. The most common injuries happen during:

Sports (especially baseball, basketball, hockey, and racquet sports)
Playing with projectile toys or sharp objects
Exposure to harmful UV rays during outdoor activities
Household accidents involving chemicals or tools

Protective eyewear, proper supervision, and age-appropriate toys all play a role in reducing risks. And if an eye injury does occur, seeking professional care right away is essential—evenf the child says they’re fine.

How Valley Vision Optometry Can Help

At Valley Vision Optometry, our team—led by Dr. Shaun Golemba and Dr. Morgan Jackson—provides family-focused, child-friendly care that supports early detection, treatment, and prevention.

Here’s how we help your child see clearly and safely:

Pediatric eye exams that go beyond school screenings to assess overall eye health, visual acuity, eye alignment, and more
Myopia management plans for children with progressing nearsightedness, including specialized lenses or treatments to slow progression
Protective eyewear fittings for sports, outdoor play, and screen use
Customized solutions for common conditions like amblyopia, strabismus, or convergence insufficiency
Ongoing education for parents on best practices for screen use, lighting, reading posture, and vision habits at home and school

We take time to make children feel comfortable during their visit—and we provide parents with the tools and knowledge needed to support their child’s long-term eye health.

Your Child’s Eyes Deserve a Strong Start

Clear vision doesn’t just support academic success—it lays the foundation for a confident, active, and engaged childhood. As August marks Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, now is the perfect time to book your child’s eye exam and give them the best start for the school year ahead.

If you’re unsure when your child last had a full eye exam, or if you’ve noticed any changes in their behavior, focus, or coordination, don’t wait.

📞Call us today at 250‑724‑0933 to book an appointment, or visit us in Port Alberni.

Let’s work together to protect their vision—today and for the future.