Children’s Eye Exams
WE ARE KID FRIENDLY! Our doctors all have young families and are very understanding and accommodating for the challenge of completing eye exams on young children.
Routine eye exams by an optometrist are important to ensure that your child is seeing and performing their best at school.
Uncorrected vision problems can lead to headaches, limited attention, and struggles reading. In many cases, uncorrected vision problems may be misdiagnosed or may complicate an attention deficit disorder.
Recommended Frequency
The first exam should take place at approximately
6 months of age. Thereafter, children up to age 18 should be seen at least annually.
In most cases annual exams are covered by Alberta Health Insurance. Different visual conditions may require an alternate schedule.
A brief examination of your child’s eyes by a pediatrician or family practice doctor is not a substitute for an eye exam performed by an optometrist.
What To Expect
The doctor will discuss health and vision with the parent/guardian and the patient (age appropriate). Most exams will include:
- Case history
- Visual acuities
- Peripheral vision
- Colour vision
- Eye alignment and movement
- Refraction
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- External eye examination
- Internal eye examination
- Tonometery (pressure test)
- Retinal photography
- Visual field screening
- OCT wide scan
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Parents Should Watch For…
Report the following symptoms in their children to their eye doctor:
- Red / Itchy / Watery Eyes
- Sensitivity to light (photosensitivity)
- Eye misalignments (inwards / outwards)
- Squinting / Eye Rubbing / Excessive Blinking
- Lack of Concentration
- Covering or Closing an Eye
- Holding objects close to the face
- Avoidance (Books / TV / etc.)
- Visible Frustration or Grimacing
- Head Tilting or Unusual Postures