Children won’t always tell you if they are having problems with their eyes or vision.
As many as 10% of pre-school children have eye problems that can affect their eye health if left untreated.
That’s why it’s important to know what signs to look for, and to have your child’s eyes checked regularly by an optometrist.
Getting your child’s eyes checked
Eye exams
A doctor called an optometrist will check your child’s eyes. The optometrist will complete:
- General vision testing in both eyes.
- Eye muscle testing.
- Eye coordination testing.
- A general health assessment of the front and back of the eyes.
- If needed, the optometrist will write a prescription for glasses for your child.
Having your child’s eyes checked by an optometrist is the best way to ensure good eye health.
Vision Screenings
Your child may have taken part in a vision screening program at school. Vision screenings are not the same as an eye exam done by an optometrist.
The vision screening is a short series of tests that are done to identify children in need of eye exams. Screenings can’t detect childhood eye diseases or vision problems.
Sight Tests
Some optical stores offer sight tests to customers. The stores often use automated machinery to see what type of glasses you may need. These tests are not as accurate as an eye exam done by an optometrist.
When should your child have an eye exam
The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends infants have their first eye exam when they are between 6 and 9 months old. They also recommend that school-aged children should undergo an eye exam annually to ensure good eye health and developmental progress.
OHIP covers annual eye exams for kids up to 19 years old.
Your Local Optometrist
Your child’s eyes constantly change through these formative years, so it’s vital to have an eye care team to help you and your child through any issues that might be discovered. Our Tonic Eye Care team is here in your community, ready to talk you through any concerns about your child’s visual health.
Please feel free to reach out to us to schedule your child’s eye exam.
