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Children’s Vision
Children’s Eye Health
Children’s eye health can change as they grow. Regular comprehensive eye exams help assess vision, focusing, coordination and overall eye health, while parents can watch for signs such as squinting, eye rubbing or holding reading material very close. An optometrist can recommend the right exam schedule for each child.
Helping Children See Comfortably
Children do not always recognize or describe a vision problem. Squinting, frequent headaches, eye rubbing, sitting close to screens or holding reading material very near may be reasons to arrange an eye exam.
These signs can have many causes, so a professional assessment is the best next step. Exam recommendations and provincial coverage vary by age and location.
When a Child May Benefit From an Eye Exam
Children may not realize that the way they see is different from anyone else. Parents, caregivers and teachers can sometimes notice changes in visual habits before a child describes a problem.
Signs that may be worth discussing with an optometrist include:
- Squinting or frequent eye rubbing during reading, screen use or distance viewing
- Frequent headaches or visual fatigue during close work
- Holding books, devices or other objects very close to the face
- Covering or closing one eye during visual tasks
- Losing their place while reading or avoiding some near-work activities
- Changes in classroom or visual habits that raise questions about how comfortably they are seeing
These behaviours can have many possible causes and do not diagnose a vision condition. A comprehensive eye exam can help determine whether vision or eye health is contributing.
Eye Exams at Different Stages of Childhood
For low-risk children without symptoms, current Canadian Association of Optometrists guidance recommends comprehensive eye exams at key stages as vision develops.
Infants and Toddlers
A first comprehensive eye examination is recommended between 6 and 9 months of age.
Preschool Children
Children between 2 and 5 years should have at least one comprehensive eye examination during this period.
School-Age Children
Children from 6 through 19 years are generally recommended to have a comprehensive eye examination annually.
Eye Exam Coverage Varies Across Canada
Provincial eye exam coverage depends on age, eligibility and location. Your optometrist can also recommend a different examination schedule based on your child’s individual eye health, general health, symptoms or risk factors.
For example, in Ontario, OHIP currently covers one major eye exam every 12 months for children and youth 19 years of age or younger, along with minor assessments when needed.
Review Eye Care Coverage Information →
What Can a Children’s Eye Exam Assess?
A comprehensive eye exam looks beyond whether a child can read letters at a distance. Depending on the child’s age and needs, an optometrist may review health and vision history and assess clarity of vision, focusing ability, eye movements and coordination, depth perception, colour vision and overall eye health.
The examination can also identify refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. If something requires additional assessment or follow-up, the optometrist can explain the appropriate next steps.
A school vision screening or automated sight test does not replace a comprehensive eye examination performed by an optometrist.
Explore Common Eye Conditions →Healthy Vision Habits as Children Grow
Eye care also includes everyday habits that support comfortable vision at home, at school and during activities.
Breaks From Near Work
Encourage regular breaks during prolonged reading, homework and screen use so children are not continuously focusing at a close distance.
Time Outdoors
Balance indoor near work with regular outdoor activity as part of a child’s everyday routine.
Protect Growing Eyes
Choose appropriate eye protection when a child participates in activities where their eyes could be exposed to injury.
Comfortable Eyewear
If glasses are prescribed, proper frame fit and adjustments can help children wear their eyewear comfortably throughout the day.
If Your Child Needs Glasses
If an eye exam results in a prescription, the next step is choosing eyewear that suits your child’s prescription, fit and everyday activities.
Children’s frames should feel comfortable and fit properly while standing up to an active routine. A licensed optician can help with frame selection, fitting and adjustments.
Explore Kids’ EyewearHave Questions About Your Child’s Vision?
If you have noticed changes in how your child sees, reads or uses their eyes, a comprehensive eye exam can help determine the appropriate next step.
Find an Eye Exam for Your Child