Children's eye exams

Your child’s vision plays a crucial role in their learning, development, social interactions, and confidence. We make children’s eye care comfortable, thorough, and even enjoyable!

Why children's eye exams are essential

Good vision supports every aspect of your child’s growth and development, and clear and comfortable vision helps children thrive academically and socially.

Many vision problems show no obvious signs, and children often don’t realize they’re not seeing clearly. A comprehensive eye exam is the only way to ensure their eyes are healthy and their vision is developing properly.

What we check during a children's eye exam

Our age-appropriate examinations are specifically designed to be gentle, engaging, and stress-free for children. The exam itself takes plan for approximately an hour total in our office, including check-in and any frame selection if glasses are needed.

We assess visual acuity (how clearly they see at various distances), overall eye health including the internal and external structures of the eye, eye teaming ability (how well the eyes work together), focusing skills (their ability to shift focus between distances), depth perception (essential for sports and spatial awareness), eye movement and tracking abilities, and colour vision. Every test is carefully tailored to your child, using child-friendly techniques that keep them engaged.

Common issues we detect

Children’s eye exams can identify various conditions including nearsightedness or myopia (difficulty seeing distant objects clearly), farsightedness or hyperopia (difficulty with near tasks), astigmatism (blurred vision at all distances due to irregularly shaped cornea), lazy eye or amblyopia (reduced vision in one eye), focusing problems that can cause eyestrain and difficulty reading, and colour vision deficiencies.

When should children have eye exams?

We can examine children from as young as 6 months old, allowing us to catch developmental issues early. We recommend an initial exam in early childhood, another before starting school (around age 2-5) to ensure they’re ready for the visual demands of the classroom, and regular check-ups throughout their school years.

Child-friendly, family-centred care

Our doctors are friendly and approachable, creating a warm, welcoming environment where children feel safe and comfortable rather than anxious. We use age-appropriate technology and techniques that make exams feel fun. Parents consistently appreciate our patient, educational approach.

Frames and specialized options for growing eyes

We carry popular, durable children’s frame brands including Nano and Tomato (both designed specifically for active children), Ray-Ban Junior, Oakley, and Disney character frames. For children requiring myopia control, we offer specialized solutions including MiYOSMART, MyoCare, and Myocare S spectacle lenses, as well as MiSight contact lenses for appropriate candidates.

Affordable care for your family

Children’s eye exams are often covered by provincial health coverage and private insurance plans, and we accept most vision benefits, making quality eye care accessible and affordable for your family. Our team can help you understand your coverage and maximize your benefits.

Schedule a children’s eye exam today or contact us with any questions about your child’s eye health and development.