Supporting Your Child’s Vision as They Grow
Eye exams are important for everyone, especially children. Approximately 25% of school-age children in Canada have a vision problem, affecting many aspects of their daily life.
We understand that not everyone is used to visiting the eye doctor, so we make an effort to create a warm and comfortable environment. It’s our goal to teach your child about the importance of their eye health and vision in terms they can understand.
Visit InVision Eyecare for a patient-friendly experience, no matter your child’s age. Our team is here to provide comprehensive eye care for your family.
The Importance of Your Child’s Vision
Did you know that approximately 80% of your child’s learning is visual-based?
Your child is constantly learning as they grow, and their vision is essential for their development. Vision is important as your child learns, plays, and interacts with others. When vision-related issues arise, they can affect your child’s development.
An undiagnosed vision problem can affect how your child:
- Copies work from a whiteboard
- Interacts in the playground
- Maintains focus
- Participates in classroom activities
- Plays sports
How Often Should Your Child See the Optometrist?
Your child needs several eye exams as they grow. We tailor our exams to your child’s stage of development, becoming more comprehensive as they develop new visual skills.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends children have their first eye exam between 6–9 months old, with their next exam happening between ages 2–5. After starting school at age 6, children should have annual eye exams until they turn 19.
Our team can recommend a more frequent exam schedule if your child is at risk of an eye condition.
Signs of an Eye Problem in Children
Many eye conditions can develop in childhood, affecting your child from a young age. Your child may assume everyone sees like they do if they have a vision problem, making it important to watch for signs of an issue in your child. Even something that doesn’t seem obvious, like daydreaming, can be a symptom of an eye problem.
Your child may have a vision problem if they experience any of these symptoms:
- A tendency to turn or tilt their head to see
- Consistently rubbing their eyes
- Excessive blinking
- Headaches and eye strain
- Short attention span
- Trouble reading
One of the most common vision problems in children is nearsightedness (myopia). This refractive error causes blurry distance vision and can worsen rapidly as their eyes grow. Our myopia control program aims to slow this progression to preserve kids’ eyesight and eye health for the future.
Book Your Child’s Next Eye Exam
Regular eye exams can help assess your child’s eye health and support their visual development. Eye problems can affect your child’s learning and other aspects of their daily life, but we can help diagnose and treat these problems.
Whether it’s treating refractive errors like myopia, recommending contact lenses, or teaching your child about the importance of their vision—our team is here to help. Contact us when it’s time for your child’s next eye exam.
Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Eye Exams
Following the Canadian Association of Optometrists guidelines, infants should have their first eye exam between 6 and 9 months of age.
Children should then have at least one additional exam between ages 2 and 5 before starting school, and annual exams after that. If you notice any unusual visual behaviour or eye alignment issues earlier, you should book an assessment right away.
According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists guidelines, school-aged children between 6 and 18 years old should receive a comprehensive eye exam every year.
Annual visits help to catch visual changes early, during critical developmental and academic growth years. If your child wears corrective lenses or has an existing eye condition, your optometrist may recommend more frequent appointments.
Warning signs include frequent headaches, eye rubbing, a short attention span, disinterest in near work, poor hand-eye coordination, or a sudden decline in school or sports performance. You might also notice your child squinting, tilting their head, or sitting unusually close to screens.
If you observe any of these warning signs or have concerns about your child’s visual health, please call our clinic or book an eye exam today.
Yes, Saskatchewan Health Services fully covers the cost of annual comprehensive eye exams for children under 18 years of age. Provincial coverage also extends to urgent care visits and medically necessary follow-up assessments for youth. Simply bring your child’s valid Saskatchewan Health Card to their appointment.
Children do not need to know their letters or numbers to receive a complete visual evaluation. Our optometrists use child-friendly visual charts with shapes and pictures, specialized lights, and non-verbal tools to check eye tracking, depth perception, and ocular health.
These engaging assessments are specially designed to keep infants, toddlers, and young children relaxed and comfortable throughout the visit.
Because roughly 80% of classroom learning is visual, uncorrected vision issues can significantly impair reading ability, focus, and visual-motor skills needed for sports. Many pediatric vision conditions develop gradually without causing pain, making them difficult for children to recognize on their own.
Regular examinations help your child maintain the clear, comfortable vision essential for their ongoing growth and success.
Come See Us in Saskatoon
We’re located on the corner of 8th Street East and Sommerfeld Avenue. Find us next to the OK Tire. There is parking, including accessible spaces right outside our office.
Our Address
Contact Information
- Phone: 306-373-2234
- Fax: 306-373-2861
- Email: ivereception@yxevision.ca
After Hours Emergencies: 306-371-9911
Hours of Operation
*Closed on Saturdays during long weekends.
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