We're not judging, just here to help.
Helping your kid see better is a pretty cool parent-flex.
You're really crushing this parenting thing!
Still got questions? We've got answers.
Why do kids need eye exams anyway?
What happens in an eye exam?
Think of it like a check-up, but for your child’s eyes. Eye exams are entirely safe. They are non-invasive and there are generally no side effects.
And it’s much more thorough than a quick school screening or a mall vision test. During a full exam, the optometrist can:
- Make sure your child’s eyes are healthy and working as a team
- Catch problems early—before your child even notices them
- See if glasses might help with learning or seeing the board
- Check vision after any eye surgery
You book it, they see better, and you get to feel like the MVP of parenting.
How does eyesight impact learning?
Kids use their eyes all day long. Reading, writing, focusing and playing. If one part of their vision isn’t working quite right, school and everyday activities can feel harder. That can lead to things like tired eyes, frustration, or even headaches.
The simple fix? An eye exam can help catch these problems early so they can keep learning like champs!
But what if my child doesn't complain?
That’s the tricky part. Lots of kids don’t realize they’re not seeing clearly. They think everyone sees the same way they do!
That’s why it’s important to get their eyes checked even if they think their vision is just fine.
That’s where you can pat yourself on the back for seeing this as something you can do to make sure.
How often should I get my kid's eyes checked?
You’re asking all the right questions, look at you go!
Here’s our Eye doctors recommend cheat sheet:
- First check-up: Around 6 months old
- Another exam: Between 2 and 5 years old
- Every year: Once they’re in school
No need to worry if your child doesn’t know their ABCs yet either. Optometrists use shapes, pictures and fun games to make it easy and stress-free.
It’s easy. It’s fast. And helping them see their best is just one more win on your parenting scoreboard.
I want to really nerd out. Do you have some great articles to share?
We’re so glad you asked! Here are a few articles to start, and a whole Eye Health Library for kids if you want to keep going.
Eye Exams (School-Aged Children)
Looking after Eye Health – School-Aged Children
Children & Video Games
Find an eye doctor in British Columbia
If you already booked your kid's eye exam
Congrats to you!
Early Eye Care is Important!
Children’s vision has a direct impact on success at school, on the playground, and on the sports field, which makes annual comprehensive eye exams an important part of your child’s health care routine.
All children ages 0-18 who reside in BC are eligible for eye examinations, and MSP will help contribute to either all or a portion of the examination cost (depending on the clinic visited).
When should we visit our Doctor of Optometry?
Baby’s first visit:
- Between 6-9 months old
2-19 years:
- Annual eye exam
BC Doctors of Optometry, in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health, has launched a school-based vision exam pilot program to provide free, comprehensive eye exams to students in kindergarten and Grade 1. Find out more here.
Latest Articles
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Children's Eye Library Posts
Retinoblastoma
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Children and Risks Associated With Sun Exposure
Optometrists, Ophthalmologists, or Opticians?
Contacts for Children
Contacts for Teens
Glasses for Children
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
Children & Video Games
Vision Therapy
