1 in 4 School-Aged Children Has an Undetected Vision Issue: What Kitsilano Parents Should Know
Vancouver, Canada - October 15, 2026 / Dr. Della Chow | Optometrist /
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Oct. 15, 2026 — During Children's Vision Month, Dr. Della Chow, OD, an eye doctor in Kitsilano, is warning that children often can't recognize or communicate a vision problem, and is connecting early exams with catching and managing childhood myopia.
Many Vision Problems in Children Go Unnoticed
According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists, citing National Coalition for Vision Health data, approximately 1 in 4 school-aged children has an undetected vision issue. The association's Children's Vision Month campaign, framed around the message "Growing Eyes, Bright Futures," notes that regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial for catching problems early — before a child's vision affects reading, learning or behaviour at school. BC's Medical Services Plan provides a routine eye-exam benefit once every 12 months for residents under 19, making annual exams accessible for Kitsilano families.
"Kids don't know what normal vision looks like, so they don't usually complain when something's off," said Dr. Chow. "That's exactly why comprehensive eye exams matter more than whether a child says they're having trouble seeing."
Comprehensive Exams Also Catch Early Myopia
Among the issues a comprehensive exam can catch is myopia, or nearsightedness, which commonly begins during the school years and can progress as a child grows. Dr. Chow's approach to myopia control centers on MiyoSmart spectacle lenses, designed to help slow — not stop — that progression, alongside regular monitoring and time spent outdoors.
"Myopia tends to progress through the school years, so the earlier it's caught, the more options families have," Dr. Della Chow said. "MiyoSmart lenses are the myopia control option offered at the practice to help slow that progression — regular exams are what catch it early enough to matter."
Dr. Chow's practice is welcoming new child patients for exams during Children's Vision Month, including myopia control follow-ups for children already diagnosed.
About Dr. Della Chow | Optometrist
Dr. Della Chow | Optometrist provides comprehensive vision and eye health care for patients of all ages, led by Dr. Della Chow, OD. For children diagnosed with myopia, the practice's myopia control approach uses MiyoSmart spectacle lenses to help slow its progression, alongside routine children's eye exams, contact lens fittings, and adult vision care. The practice accepts BC's Medical Services Plan and most extended health plans and is located at 2589 W Broadway in Kitsilano, Vancouver.
Contact Information:
Dr. Della Chow | Optometrist
2589 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC V6K 2E9
Canada
Della Chow
+1 778-743-7499
https://drdellaoptometry.com/
