October is Children's Vision Month!
This year, let’s shatter misconceptions and reveal the real risks associated with myopia which has evolved into a global public health crisis demanding our immediate attention.
Together, let’s #GetEyeWise!
CAO 2025 October awareness campaign was launched in partnership with :
Special thanks to our sponsors:
Eye issues aren't always this obvious...
Is screen time blurring your child’s vision? Children may not notice that their sight is slipping, but myopia can worsen fast. An eye exam can catch what they can’t see.
Protect their vision before it’s too late, and see your optometrist.
Beat the “Blur” aka Myopia
Myopia (nearsightedness) is one of the leading causes of vision loss, impacting an estimated 50% of the world’s population by 2050. A rising epidemic among school-aged children, especially, Myopia is progressing at a faster rate than ever before. As a visual condition currently affecting 30% of the population, myopia has evolved into a global public health crisis demanding our immediate attention. Along with the rising prevalence, myopia is occurring at earlier ages starting in childhood (6-7 years of age), progressing at a more rapid rate than the previous generations.
People with myopia will have trouble seeing distant objects, such as the road sign, whiteboard, movie screen and TV. Myopia has both a genetic and environmental component. However, increased near work and screen time are also correlated with higher rate of myopia in children. High myopia is associated with increased risk of sight threatening conditions like retinal detachments, cataracts, glaucoma and myopic maculopathy.
How often should your child get their eyes checked?
As the child grows, so do their eyes! Healthy vision is an important part of a child’s overall well-being, allowing them to succeed in their everyday activities in school and on the playing field. However, children with vision problems are generally unaware of their condition, because they assume everyone sees the way they do. Parents may also not realize their child has a vision problem, especially if the child seems to be functioning well in other areas. It is important to remember that once myopia has progressed, the person’s vision won’t come back.
It is crucial that children get a comprehensive eye exam regularly. Although Myopia has no cure, there are treatment options to slow the progression – but early detection is key. It is never too soon to see your optometrist!
A comprehensive eye examination is the best tool for the early detection of eye disease and several systemic diseases.
| Age group | Comprehensive eye exam frequency for low-risk, asymptomatic individuals. |
| Infants and Toddlers (birth to 24 months) | Infants and toddlers should undergo their first eye examination between the ages of six and nine months |
| Preschool Children (Two to five years) | At least one eye examination between the ages of two and five years |
| School Age Children (Six to 19 years) | Annually |
Find a Local Optometrist
Your optometrist can help you take control of your family’s eye health and protect their vision, now and into the future. Book an appointment today.
Protect Children’s Sight
Playing outside can help prevent the development of Myopia in children. Studies have shown that an hour of outdoor time each day for children may help to delay the onset of myopia1 ,2 . Remember to wear sunglasses and sunscreen while outdoors. Learn more about how you can support your children beyond the exam room.
Limit screen time: Get into a good habit of taking regular breaks from screens every 30-60 minutes helps relax their eyes. For all children, screen time is not recommended at least 1 hour before bedtime, to help with better sleep. Learn more about children and screen time.
Alcon
“We know that clear vision is the cornerstone of a child’s ability to learn, grow, and build confidence,” according to Vanessa Johari Hansen, Country Business Unit Head, Vision Care, at Alcon Canada. “Alcon is proud to support the Canadian Association of Optometrists’ campaign, empowering families to prioritize regular comprehensive eye exams, so children can See Brilliantly and Learn Brilliantly.”
About Alcon
Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning over 75 years, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people’s lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 25,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with Eye Care Professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care.
Learn more at www.alcon.ca.
Other Alcon Resources
Visit the Alcon website to learn more about PRECISION1 lenses.
CooperVision
“Myopia can significantly impact a child’s ability to engage fully in daily life, even in the short term. While correcting vision is important, it’s only part of the solution. Myopia often progresses as children grow,” said Enrique Contreras, Country Manager at CooperVision Canada. “As a global leader in myopia management for children, we are dedicated to offering innovative solutions designed to slow that progression, helping to reduce the risk of serious vision complications later in life.”
About CooperVision
CooperVision, a division of CooperCompanies (Nasdaq:COO), is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of contact lenses. The company produces a full array of daily disposable, two-week and monthly soft contact lenses that feature advanced materials and optics, and premium rigid gas permeable lenses for orthokeratology and scleral designs. CooperVision has a strong heritage of addressing the toughest vision challenges such as astigmatism, presbyopia, childhood myopia, and highly irregular corneas; and offers the most complete portfolio of spherical, toric, and multifocal products available. Through a combination of innovative products and focused practitioner support, the company brings a refreshing perspective to the marketplace, creating real advantages for customers and wearers.
For more information, visit www.coopervision.ca.
Other CooperVision Resources
Watch CooperVision's myopia simulation video.
Visit CooperVision's website for more information on myopia management.
Visit CooperVision's website for more information on their MiSight 1 day lenses.
Read CooperVision patient testimonials on MiSight 1 day contact lenses.
1 Guo Y et al. Outdoor jogging and myopia progression in school children from rural Beijing: the Beijing children eye study. Transl Vis Sci Technol. 2019;8(2):2-2
2 Xiong S et al. Time spent in outdoor activities in relation to myopia prevention and control: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Acta Ophthalmol. 2017;95(6):551-566.