Sports Vision for Children in , BC

Whether it’s baseball season, swim meets, or weekend soccer tournaments, many parents don’t realize that athletic skill isn’t just about practice and physical training. Vision plays a crucial role in how a child tracks a ball, reacts to plays, and performs under pressure.

At Newton Optometry Clinic, we provide sports vision training and specialty eyewear to help young athletes in Surrey refine the visual skills they rely on during every game. 

Four children playing soccer on a grassy field with trees in the background
Two kids playing basketball in a gym, one of them dribbling the ball.

What Is Sports Vision Training?

Sports vision training focuses on improving the visual skills that athletes use in real-time—like hand-eye coordination, depth perception, peripheral awareness, and visual reaction time. 

It’s not about correcting vision with glasses or contacts, but about enhancing how efficiently the eyes and brain work together.

We work with children who have 20/20 vision but still struggle with tracking a ball or reacting quickly on the field. Through targeted exercises, we help train their eyes and brains to respond faster and more accurately, giving them a stronger foundation for sports performance. 

Why Does Sports Vision Matter for Children?

Most sports are won or lost in milliseconds.

A soccer player needs to spot a teammate on the run, a baseball hitter has less than half a second to decide whether to swing, and a goalie has to react instantly to a shot. These moments all rely on how the eyes gather and process visual information.

Visual performance can impact: 

  • Reaction time during fast plays 
  • Coordination between vision and movement 
  • Ability to track fast-moving objects 
  • Spatial awareness and timing 
  • Confidence and safety on the field 

Children whose visual systems aren’t fully developed or well-trained may appear clumsy or hesitant—even if their physical skills are strong. That’s where we can help. 

A soccer player in green shorts is kicking a soccer ball on a grassy field, with another person standing behind him, while the sun is shining brightly in the background.
Five children play basketball on a court, with one boy leaping to catch the ball

What Does a Sports Vision Program Look Like?

At Newton Optometry Clinic, we begin with a detailed functional vision assessment to understand how your child’s eyes perform during dynamic tasks—not just how clearly they see. We evaluate: 

  • Eye tracking: The ability for their eyes to follow a moving object 
  • Depth perception: Judging speed and distance accurately 
  • Peripheral vision: Awareness of movement around them 
  • Visual reaction time: How quickly they respond to visual cues 
  • Visual-motor integration: Coordination between vision and body movement 

From there, we create a customized sports vision training program using tools like digital training software, visual drills, and real-time feedback systems. Programs are designed to be fun and engaging, while targeting specific areas for improvement based on the child’s sport and goals. 

Children's Sports Vision FAQs

At what age can children start sports vision training? 

Most children can begin around age 7 or 8, once their visual system has developed enough for structured exercises. However, this may vary depending on the sport and the child’s individual development. 

Does my child need glasses to benefit from sports vision training? 

No. Sports vision training is about how the eyes and brain work together, not just visual clarity. Even children with perfect vision can benefit. 

How long does a sports vision program last? 

Programs vary based on each child’s needs and goals, but most families start with a series of weekly sessions over 8–12 weeks. We’ll provide a clear timeline after the initial assessment. 

Does insurance cover sports vision training? 

Most insurance plans do not cover vision training, but we’re happy to walk you through payment options and provide documentation for reimbursement if available. 

Can sports vision help children with coordination issues? 

Yes. Many coordination challenges stem from poor visual processing. Training can improve not just sports performance but overall body awareness and timing. 

A group of young boys in blue shirts and white shorts, placing their hands together in a huddle on a sunny day.

Give Your Child a Stronger Vision for Sports in Surrey, BC

When your child steps onto the field, court, or ice, they need more than gear and grit—they need vision that works as hard as they do. Sports vision training at helps develop the visual skills that fuel athletic performance, giving your child a real competitive edge.

Let’s help them see, think, and move like professional athletes.