Don’t Let “The Blur” Stand in the Way of Children’s Learning

Friday, August 14 2026 | 10 h 50 min | News

CAO launches a national awareness campaign on children’s eye health and the rising epidemic of myopia

The Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) is launching a new digital awareness campaign urging parents to prioritize regular comprehensive eye exams for their children. Eye exams play a critical role in ensuring every child is set up for success in the classroom, yet eye health often receives less attention than other routine health care.

According to the release, “Children rarely realize anything is wrong with their vision — they assume everyone sees the world the way they do.” As CAO President Dr. Allison Scott explains, this is why parents are often surprised when a vision problem is diagnosed. A comprehensive eye exam remains the most reliable way to detect these “invisible” issues early, giving children the clear vision they need to thrive at school and beyond.

Running throughout August on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube in English and French, the campaign highlights a simple but powerful message: Myopia Can Hide in Plain Sight. It is supported by provincial optometry associations in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, along with industry sponsors Alcon and CooperVision.

Early Exams Are Essential for Healthy Visual Development

As children grow, their eyes develop rapidly — and eye conditions can emerge just as quickly. Optometrists frequently encounter “invisible” issues such as myopia, now increasingly common among children.

CAO recommends that parents schedule comprehensive eye exams beginning at six to nine months, again between two and five years, and annually until age 19. After age 19, eye development stabilizes, allowing healthy adults to transition to exams every two years. Even in the absence of symptoms, regular exams are crucial for early detection and timely intervention.

Myopia: A Growing Global Concern

Detecting myopia early allows immediate action to slow or halt its progression. Nearsighted children may struggle to see distant objects such as road signs, whiteboards, movie screens and televisions. Myopia has both genetic and environmental components, including increased screen time and near work.

Research shows that myopia now appears earlier — around 6–7 years old — and progresses more rapidly than in previous generations. High levels of myopia can lead to sight‑threatening complications such as retinal detachment, cataracts, glaucoma and myopic maculopathy. By 2050, myopia is projected to affect 50% of the world’s population.

Industry partners echo the urgency. Vanessa Johari Hansen of Alcon Canada notes that “clear vision is the cornerstone of a child’s ability to learn, grow, and build confidence.” CooperVision Canada’s Enrique Contreras adds that correcting vision is only part of the solution, as myopia often progresses with age — reinforcing the need for innovative management options.

Beyond clinical care, healthy habits such as spending more time outdoors and limiting screen time can help reduce the impact of myopia.

For more information on CAO’s awareness campaign, visit opto.ca/the-blur.