Special Feature
Q: What are some strategies
that ECPs can use to get more
children in their offices?
A: Participation in back-to-
school or children’s vision
month promotions as well as
participation in the Eye See Eye
Learn program run by most
provincial optometric associations
provide valuable opportunities
to encourage parents to bring
children in for a checkup
Speaking with parents about
the importance of children’s
eye exams while they are
having their eyes examined is
another opportunity to share
the importance of ensuring
children’s eye health. Making the
waiting room more child-friendly
by offering quiet toys (that can
be disinfected), books and/or
colouring is a positive step to make
children feel welcome too.
Q: Are ECPs seeing an increase
in the number of children with
symptoms of digital eye strain/
computer vision syndrome? How
can ECPs address this issue?
A: Whether it be for education or
entertainment, kids spend a large
portion of their day looking at
some type of screen or device, so it
makes sense that ECPs are seeing
more children with symptoms of
digital eye strain/computer vision
syndrome.
Dr. Kirsten North
The Canadian Association of
Optometrists and the Canadian
Ophthalmological Society
developed screen time guidelines
that provide wonderful guidance on
how much is too much that could be
shared with parents. Parents may
also benefit from information on
the potential impacts of blue light
from screens and ways to avoid
over-exposure. OP
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