Ross' Blog

School Vision Screenings

School vision screenings are a critical component of our health care system and help to detect gross visual problems in children that may otherwise go undetected. School vision screenings however are not a substitute for a comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist. All children, 3 years of age or older, should receive a complete eye examination at least once a year.

An optometrist can examine your child to ensure that they have the adequate visual skills needed to succeed at school. With almost 80% of all learning being visual, it is critical that your child’s visual system be operating perfectly.

An eye examination by an optometrist is more then about 20/20 vision, it’s also about having proper visual skills. Some of these skills include colour vision, depth perception, focusing, eye teaming, and eye tracking.

Did you know?

  • Children are covered under Alberta Health Care for a comprehensive eye examination once a year. There is no cost to you as a parent to have your child’s eyes examined by an optometrist.
  • Children are also covered under Alberta Health Care for emergency eye exam appointments for things such as: pink eye, eye infections, allergies, injuries, etc. 

Dr. Ross McKenzie is a member of the Alberta Association of Optometrists and is proud to participate in the Eye See…Eye Learn program. A partnership between optometrists, private business and the Alberta Government with a focus on ensuring that every child receives an eye exam before starting kindergarten. To learn more about the Eye See…Eye Learn program please refer to the Alberta Association of Optometrists website.

Best Eyeglass Upgrade

Anti-reflective or non-glare coatings are by far the single best eyeglass upgrade a person can purchase. Eyeglass lenses that do not have an anti-reflective or non-glare coating can actually reduce your overall visual acuity and can lead to eyestrain and visual fatigue.

Basic non-coated eyeglass lenses can reflect up to 10% of the light, making objects appear dimmer and less vibrant. Thin high index eyeglass lenses can further increase this because of internal reflections, making anti-reflective or non-glare applications absolutely crucial for optimal vision in these thinner lighter lenses.

Anti-reflective eyeglass lenses allow up to 99% of light to pass directly through the lens. This produces a brighter, sharper more natural image to the wearer. Reduced internal and surface reflections also helps with improved cosmetic appeal during both work and social situations. Anti-reflective or non-glare coatings allow for better eye-to-eye contact and are a must have for anyone who works with the public. 

Night driving can also be dramatically improved by using anti-reflective or non-glare lenses. These eyeglass lenses help to reduce distracting glare from on coming headlights as well as from auxiliary sources within the vehicle such as the instrument panel or navigation systems. These same principles also apply to working on the computer or playing video games. By reducing unwanted glare from computer monitors and overhead lights, anti-reflective lenses can actually help to reduce end of day visual fatigue.

Anti-reflective lenses have evolved immensely over the past few decades since they were first introduced. Today, high quality anti-reflective lenses offer the best resistance against scratching, as they must be applied over an ultra-tough base coat. Some anti-reflective coatings also help to repel dust and oil from the lens surface and make cleaning your eyeglasses faster and easier.

5 Reasons to purchase anti-reflective eyeglass lenses:

  1. Improved light transmission    
  2. Improved cosmetic appeal   
  3. Improved night time vision  
  4. Improved computer vision  
  5. Improved scratch resistance