Eye Doctors in Orangeville Caring For Your Child’s Future Vision

Your child learns new things about the world every single day. They rely on their vision for so many new discoveries, from reading a new book to playing outside. In fact, 80% of what your child learns comes from what they see.

In our children’s eye exams, both you and your child should feel comfortable during the whole process. We’re happy to explain to your little one what each of our optometry tools and devices does so they’re calm and entertained along the way. Book your appointment today.

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How Much Is an Eye Exam for Children in Ontario?

Your child’s eye exams are fully covered by OHIP from birth through age 19, so you don’t have to worry about budgeting for their visual health check-ups. This includes follow-up assessments but doesn’t include the cost of glasses.

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How Often Does My Child Need an Eye Exam?

The Canadian Association of Optometrists outlines the minimum recommended exam frequency for children (and adults). However, your optometrist may encourage you to visit more often if your child is at a higher risk of vision issues, such as myopia (nearsightedness).

The CAO recommends:

Infants and toddlers have their first exam between 6 and 9 months.
Preschool children have at least one exam between ages 2 and 5.
School-aged children have annual eye exams from ages 6 to 19.

Your child’s eyes are growing along with the rest of their body, so it’s important to catch any vision changes or conditions as soon as possible when they’re easier to treat.

Common Vision Issues in Kids?

Children’s eyes are different from adult eyes, so they need special care and attention. Children often don’t know that what they’re seeing is different from anyone else, so they may not be able to communicate any issues they’re having.

Here are some of the common vision problems we see in kids.

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Myopia (Nearsightedness)

Myopia is a refractive error that typically begins in childhood. It’s a very common condition; about 30% of Canadians are nearsighted. People who are nearsighted have difficulty seeing objects far away.

Research shows that spending more time outside (as opposed to doing close-focus activities like using screens or reading books indoors) may help kids avoid developing nearsightedness.

There are new technologies available for the many children who have already developed myopia, including specialized contact lenses, to slow its progression. This is called myopia control, and it can help your child need a lower prescription by adulthood. Learn more about our myopia control options on our Myopia Control page.

Other Refractive Errors

A child who has difficulty seeing close objects clearly may have hyperopia, also known as farsightedness.

Some people who are myopic or hyperopic may also have astigmatism, which can cause blurriness at all distances. Astigmatism is caused by an irregularly curved cornea or lens.

Typically, any of these 3 refractive errors can be corrected with glasses or contacts in children.

Strabismus (Crossed Eyes)

Strabismus is characterized by the eyes not properly aligning with each other. Children with strabismus (also known as turned eye, crossed eye, or wandering eye) may have trouble with coordination due to double vision or depth perception issues.

Your child won’t grow out of strabismus on their own, so it’s important to detect and treat it early during an eye exam.

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

Amblyopia most often occurs when a child has strabismus or a very high refractive error in one eye. It results in the affected eye sending abnormal signals to the brain, which the brain ignores, affecting the typical eye-brain development.

Treatment can involve eyeglasses, a patch, or eye exercises.

Our Location

You can find us just off Broadway and John in the little blue standalone building. We are your destination for optometry in Orangeville. Book your appointment today!