When Should Your Child Have Their First Eye Exam? An Ontario Parent’s Guide

As parents, we celebrate every milestone. First steps, first words, the first day of school. One milestone that often gets overlooked is a child’s first eye exam.

It is not because parents don’t care. The reality is that children rarely tell us they can’t see well because they often don’t realize anything is wrong. If they have always seen the world a certain way, they assume everyone else sees it that way too.

We see this often in optometry. A child comes in for their first eye exam and we discover they have been struggling with blurry vision for years. After getting the right glasses, parents often tell us, “I had no idea, they never mentioned anything.”

That is why regular eye exams are so important. They help catch problems early, often before they begin to affect learning, confidence, or everyday life.

When Should Child Have Their First Eye Exam? 

The Ontario Association of Optometrists and the Canadian Association of Optometrists recommend the following schedule:

Many parents are surprised to learn that babies should have their first eye exam between six and twelve months of age.

Even at this young age, an optometrist can identify concerns with eye health, focusing, or eye alignment. When these issues are found early, treatment is often much simpler and more effective.

The good news is that OHIP covers one comprehensive eye exam every year for children under 20 years old in Ontario. There is no referral required.

Isn’t the School Vision Test Enough? 

This is one of the questions we hear most often.

School vision screenings can be helpful, but they are not comprehensive eye exams. Most screenings simply check whether a child can read letters from across the room.

They do not evaluate:

• Overall eye health
• How the eyes work together
• Near vision, which is essential for reading
• Eye tracking and focusing skills
• Signs of lazy eye or crossed eyes
• Early eye diseases

A child can pass a school vision screening and still have a vision problem that affects reading, attention, learning, or sports. A comprehensive eye exam looks at the complete picture.

Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Exam Sooner

You do not have to wait for the next recommended age if you notice changes in your child’s vision or behaviour.

Some common signs include:

At school

• Squinting to see the board
• Losing their place while reading
• Skipping lines or rereading the same sentence
• Holding books very close
• Frequent headaches after school
• Complaining that reading makes their eyes tired
• Avoiding reading or homework

At home

• Sitting very close to the television
• Tilting or turning their head to see
• One eye drifting inward or outward
• Frequent eye rubbing
• Sensitivity to light
• Covering one eye

In everyday activities

• A sudden drop in school performance
• Difficulty catching or tracking a ball during sports
• Clumsiness that seems unusual for their age

What  Happens During a Children’s Eye Exam ?

Many parents wonder how an eye exam works when their child is too young to read letters. The good news is that children do not need to know the alphabet to have an eye exam.

For babies and toddlers, we use age-appropriate techniques to assess vision, eye alignment, focusing ability, and eye health. Most little ones are curious about the lights and instruments, and the appointment is often much easier than parents expect.

For preschool and elementary-aged children, we use picture or symbol charts when needed. We also assess how the eyes work together, how well they focus, and how they track across a page, all of which are important for learning.

For older children and teenagers, the exam is similar to an adult eye exam, with additional attention to nearsightedness progression, digital eye strain, and sports vision when appropriate.

Most appointments take about 30 to 45 minutes, and we always make time to explain the results and answer any questions.

Why More Children Are Becoming Nearsighted 

One of the biggest changes we have seen over the past several years is the increase in childhood myopia, also known as nearsightedness. Children with myopia can usually see things up close clearly but have difficulty seeing the board at school, road signs, or objects in the distance. Several factors contribute to myopia, including genetics, increased screen time, and spending less time outdoors. Without treatment, myopia often becomes stronger each year. Regular eye exams allow us to monitor these changes closely. If needed, we can discuss myopia management options that may help slow its progression and reduce the risk of future eye health problems.

OHIP Coverage for Children’s Eye Exam

Eye care for children in Ontario is straightforward.

Children under 20 are eligible for one comprehensive eye exam every year through OHIP. You do not need a referral from your family doctor, and there is no charge for the exam itself.

If glasses or contact lenses are recommended, they are not covered by OHIP. However, many workplace insurance plans include vision benefits, and our team is always happy to help you understand your coverage.

Caring for Burlington Families

Blink Better is proud to care for families throughout Burlington, including Aldershot, Millcroft, Tyandaga, and nearby Waterdown.

Our clinic is located at 1025 Plains Road East, Unit 105, with free parking available.

We know family schedules can be busy, so we offer appointments Monday through Saturday, including evening appointments on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Book Your Child’s Eye Exam

If your child has never had an eye exam, or it has been more than a year since their last visit, now is a great time to book.

The appointment takes less than an hour, is covered by OHIP, and can have a lasting impact on your child’s learning, confidence, and quality of life.

You can book online at www.blinkbetter.ca or call 905-633-9999.

Clear vision plays an important role in how children learn, grow, and experience the world. A simple eye exam at Blink Better in Burlington can make all the difference.