Have your child's vision checked
Healthy vision is important for your child’s learning, development and overall well-being. Routine eye exams starting in early childhood help find vision problems early, even when there are no clear signs.
As children grow and start school, yearly eye exams help make sure they can see clearly in the classroom and keep up with learning. Early and regular eye exams help protect your child’s vision now and support good eye health for the future.
Why Routine Eye Exams Matter
Children’s eyes grow and change quickly. Changes in your child’s eyes can happen long before vision loss is easy to notice, and children may not realize they have trouble seeing until they have an eye exam. Many vision problems can be prevented or treated when they are found early
Routine eye exams help:
- Support healthy vision development
- Reduce the impact of vision problems on learning and behaviour
- Prevent permanent vision loss
Vision problems can make it harder for children to:
- Read
- See the classroom board
- Focus and learn at school
Children may not say they are having trouble seeing because they may not know what normal vision looks like. Finding vision problems early allows treatment to begin before vision loss becomes permanent.
What Is a Comprehensive Eye Examination
A comprehensive eye examination is a full eye health check done by an optometrist, also called an eye doctor.
Comprehensive eye exams are the only way to find early eye changes that can lead to vision loss and how clearly your child sees, and the overall health of their eyes.
A comprehensive eye exam checks:
- How clearly your child can see
- How well the eyes move and work together
- How well the eyes focus
- Eye health and structure, including changes that cannot be seen without special equipment
When Should Children Have Eye Exams
The Ontario Association of Optometrists recommends eye exams at the following ages:
- At 6 months
- At 2 to 3 years
- Every year after age 3
In Ontario:
- Eye exams are free every 12 months for children and youth aged 0 to 19
- A valid Ontario Health, or OHIP, card is required
- Medically necessary follow up visits are also covered
How to Find an Eye Doctor in York Region
York Region does not offer eye exams. We refer families to their doctor, primary health care provider or local optometrist.
You do not need a referral from a family doctor to see an optometrist.
You can find an eye doctor by:
- Visiting FindAnEyeDoctor.ca to search for optometrists near you
- Checking the College of Optometrists of Ontario website
- Calling Health811 by dialing 811 (TTY 711) for free help finding an eye doctor
Additional Vision Supports for Children
- The Eye See…Eye Learn Program offers complimentary glasses to any junior or senior kindergarten students who needs them; to learn more and find a participating Optometrist visit Eye See...Eye Learn® Program - Ontario Association of Optometrists.
- To find an eye doctor near you visit FindAnEyeDoctor.ca
- Visit About Kids Health - Eye examination for your child for more detailed information on eye examinations in children
Related Resources
- Vision screening postcard – infant*
- Vision screening postcard – elementary*
- Vision screening postcard – secondary*
- Vision screening poster – infant*
- Vision screening poster – elementary*
- Vision screening poster – secondary*
* This document is intended for printing purposes only. Alternative formats are available upon request.
