05/25/2026
As parents we prioritize our children’s health in every way from nutritious meals to regular check-ups with the pediatrician. Yet, one of the most critical aspects of their development is often overlooked: vision.
Did you know that 80% of a young child’s learning is visual? When a child struggles to see, it doesn’t just affect their sight—it can impact their ability to read, participate in sports, and even their confidence in the classroom.
When Should They Get Their First Exam?
Many parents wait for a teacher to notice a problem or for the child to complain about blurry vision. However, vision issues often don't have obvious symptoms. Experts, including the Canadian Association of Optometrists, recommend the following schedule:
First Exam: Between 6 and 9 months of age.
Second Exam: At least once between ages 2 and 5.
School Years: Annually from age 6 to 19.
Why Are Regular Exams So Important?
A comprehensive eye exam is much more than a vision screening. It’s a full assessment of your child’s eye health. Early detection can identify and treat conditions like:
**Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): Highly treatable if caught early, but can lead to permanent vision loss if ignored.
**Strabismus (Misaligned Eyes): Helping their eyes work together as a team.
Refractive Errors: Nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, which can be corrected to help them keep up with their peers.
Watch for the "Red Flags"
Children often don't realize their vision is "blurry" because they’ve never known anything different. Keep an eye out for these subtle signs:
Squinting or tilting the head to see better.
Sitting very close to the television or holding books/screens near their face.
Frequent eye rubbing or excessive blinking.
Short attention spans or avoiding activities that require focus, like drawing or reading.
Complaints of headaches or "tired eyes" after school.
A Fun, Stress-Free Experience
If you're worried about your child being nervous, don’t be! Pediatric eye exams are designed to be engaging, quick, and comfortable. Our goal is to make the experience a positive one that sets them up for a lifetime of healthy vision.
Did you know?
