Complete Eye Exams for Children in Saskatoon
Visual skills are essential for success in school. If your child has an undiagnosed vision problem, such as nearsightedness, lazy eye, or crossed eyes, they can struggle to see the board, coordinate their eyes to read, and develop hand-eye coordination.
Once your child reaches 6 months of age, they should have their eyes examined. Our optometrists at Stonebridge Eyecare can test infants and toddlers for visual development concerns before they can read, allowing us to offer corrective lenses or recommend vision therapy to correct any concerns and support their continued development.
Early detection of vision problems could keep your child from struggling with vision issues their entire lives. Book their eye exam online today.
When Should Your Child Get an Eye Exam?
We follow the guidelines set by the Canadian Association of Optometrists, which recommends that children:
- Receive their first eye exam between 6 and 9 months old
- Have at least one exam between the ages of 2 and 5
- Begin annual eye exams once starting school
We may recommend more frequent exams depending on any existing prescription, your child’s medical and family history, and any concerns that you may have regarding your child’s vision.
Why Kids Need an Eye Exam
Children’s eyes are still growing and developing throughout their childhood. Because they may lack a frame of reference for clear vision, kids may not be able to express their vision problems, or they may assume they see the same way as everyone else.
Routine, comprehensive eye exams allow your optometrist to examine your child’s vision and monitor the development of their visual skills. If they notice concerns, they can offer appropriate eyewear, vision therapy referrals, and continuous monitoring.
Some vision problems that are common in children include myopia (nearsightedness), amblyopia (lazy eye), and strabismus (crossed eyes). These conditions do not get better without treatment and require interventions such as myopia control, eye patching, vision therapy, prescription eyewear, and in certain cases, surgery.
Signs Your Child May Have a Vision Problem
Depending on your child’s age, they may not be able to express a problem with their vision, or they may not realize their vision is different from anyone else’s. Some signs of vision problems you can watch for at home include:
- Squinting
- Closing or covering one eye to see
- Excessive blinking or eye rubbing
- Complaints of headaches or tired eyes
- Turning or tilting their head to see
- Dislike or disinterest in near work, such as reading, writing, colouring, or Legos
- Trouble with reading, learning the alphabet, laterality, or geometric shapes
- Short attention span
- Poor hand-eye coordination
- Decline in school or sports performance
If you notice any of these signs in your child, book an eye exam for them. Diagnosing or ruling out a vision problem can help you find a beneficial solution to your child’s struggles.
Happy Kids Have Healthy Eyes
Vision helps children learn, and learning builds future leaders. That’s why Saskatchewan’s government covers the cost of an annual eye exam for every child 17 and under.
Eye exams are completely pain-free and take less than an hour. While some children may be apprehensive about visiting a clinic, our optometrists treat each child with compassionate care. You’re a part of the Stonebridge family, and we’ll treat your kids the same way. In fact, many kids enjoy the experience so much they’re excited for their next visit to our clinic!
Book their next eye exam with us today.
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. If you notice any unusual visual behaviour or eye alignment issues earlier, you should book an assessment right away.
According to 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 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.
Visit Our Location
We’re located in Stonebridge, on the corner of Cope Lane and Stonebridge Boulevard. Find us next to the Saskatoon Dermatology Centre and Stonebridge Dental Centre. Free parking is available.
Our Address
Contact Information
- Phone: 306-664-2638
- Fax: 306-653-5822
- Email: secadmin@yxevision.ca
After Hours Emergencies: 306-371-9911
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