Niagara Indoor Pickleball Association successfully hosted its third Wellness & Performance Series seminar, “Keep Your Eye on the Ball,” on Wednesday evening at its Fenwick facility. The well-attended session reinforced the vital role vision plays in pickleball performance while underscoring a growing concern within the sport. Eye injuries are on the rise.
The seminar was presented by Dr. Gregg Seddon, retired optometrist and NIPA member, who brought more than 30 years of clinical experience in ocular health and vision care to the discussion.
Dr. Seddon reviewed the neurology of eye hand coordination and explained how visual tracking, depth perception, peripheral awareness and reaction time directly affect shot selection, consistency and on-court anticipation. He also addressed common eye traumas associated with pickleball, including blunt force injuries from balls and paddles, retinal tears and other potentially serious conditions that can have lasting consequences.
A key message of the evening was prevention. As pickleball continues to grow rapidly across North America, so too has the number of reported eye injuries. Fast exchanges at the non-volley zone, close court proximity and limited reaction time significantly increase risk. Many injuries occur during routine recreational play rather than just high-level competition.
NIPA’s philosophy is clear. Safety comes first. While performance and skill development are central to the club’s programming, they must never come at the expense of player well-being. NIPA strongly recommends that all members wear protective eyewear during play. Protective glasses designed for racquet and paddle sports can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury while maintaining comfort and visibility.
The seminar concluded with interactive vision exercises and a question-and-answer session that encouraged members to think proactively about both performance and eye health.
NIPA extends sincere appreciation to Kitchen Blockers for generously sponsoring the event. The company donated a pair of its Classic Clear protective glasses for a draw among members and guests in attendance and provided a 20 percent discount code exclusively for NIPA members. NIPA is grateful for Kitchen Blockers’ strong commitment to promoting eye safety within the pickleball community and for partnering in this important educational initiative.
The Wellness & Performance Series continues to provide members with practical tools to enhance their game while supporting injury prevention and long-term enjoyment of the sport.
About NIPA
NIPA is a non-profit pickleball & social organization run entirely by member volunteers and is an official affiliate of Pickleball Canada and Pickleball Ontario. Its first branch, located in Concordia Academy at 1165 Centre Street in Fenwick, first opened its doors in October 2024 and now boasts of 215 members. For more information about NIPA visit https://www.niagaraindoorpickleball.com.