October 23, 2025
Photo Credit: Getty Images
OTTAWA, Ontario, Canada — The Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) has launched a new digital awareness campaign to address children’s vision care and the rising epidemic of myopia.
Raising public awareness about the importance of regular eye exams for early detection remains crucial to improving eye care outcomes for Canadians, from toddlers to seniors. Unfortunately, eye health often doesn’t receive the same level of attention as other routine health care.
“Many parents assume they would know if their child was struggling to see, and children with vision problems are generally unaware of their condition because they assume everyone sees the way they do,” said Dr. Allison Scott, CAO President. “Parents are often surprised when optometrists diagnose their child with an ocular issue. Reassuring them, explaining that these things aren’t always obvious, leads to a better understanding of the importance of regular comprehensive eye exams.”
Eye Issues Aren’t Always Obvious
CAO’s new campaign aims to boost public awareness about children’s vision care through a simple yet potent message: Eye issues aren’t always obvious. It will run throughout October on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Pinterest, and Spotify in English and French, and is supported by New Brunswick Association of Optometrists, Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Optometrists, Nova Scotia Association of Optometrists, and The Prince Edward Island Association of Optometrists, and industry sponsors Alcon and CooperVision.
“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.”
“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.”
To find more about the CAO’s new awareness campaign, please visit: https://opto.ca/eye-issues-not-obvious
