Eye Exams For Children in Saskatoon
Young eyes are still developing. They’re still learning about the world around them, and keen vision is one of their most important assets. Annual eye exams can help to monitor your child’s visual development to make sure that they are not struggling with a vision problem that goes undetected.
At Pinehouse Eyecare, we provide children’s vision care beginning at 6 months old. As well, the Government of Saskatchewan covers the cost of annual eye exams for every child under 18.
Every child deserves to see clearly. Book your child’s eye exam today.
When Should My Child Have an Eye Exam?
When children are just 6 months old, they should have their first eye exam. At that age, they’re learning how to crawl and to manipulate small objects. Their motor skills are greatly influenced by being able to see properly. As with dexterity, a large part of communication is hinged on good vision. Body language, word formation, and identifying objects are difficult to develop without good eyesight.
After their first checkup at 6 months, children should visit the optometrist once a year, unless otherwise recommended by their optometrist.
Support Visual Skills for the Classroom and Beyond
When children have reached their elementary years, their sight plays a vital role in their learning. Over 80% of classroom learning is through visual cues such as whiteboards, books, and diagrams. If a child struggles to learn, they could develop low self-esteem or disciplinary issues, as well as receive bad grades. Having their eyes checked is the easiest way to help them get a great start at school.
Additionally, visual skills play a role in the development of hand-eye coordination, gross motor and fine motor skills. Kids need strong visual skills to excel in sports, play active games with friends, and participate in many extracurricular activities, from hockey and dance to painting or reading music.
What Happens in a Child’s Eye Exam?
Regular eye exams make sure that their eyes are developing as expected based on their age. Beyond visual clarity, we also check how well the eyes move together, how well they track moving objects, and how well they focus and refocus on different items.
We use age-appropriate tools to test their eyesight, such as toys, pictures, and icons rather than letters and words, depending on their age. Our team is experienced in working with kids and can help put them at ease. We’re patient and can slow the exam down to a speed that makes your child feel comfortable, explaining different tests in child-friendly language so they understand what is going on.
If you have any questions about your child’s exam, please feel free to contact us.
Detecting Vision Problems in Children
Many children may struggle to express their vision problems, or may not realize their vision is different from others. We assess their visual skills and can identify problems even without input from your child.
We monitor for concerns such as myopia, also known as nearsightedness, which impacts distance vision. In children, nearsightedness can progress quickly, resulting in stronger prescriptions each year. Fortunately, we have a myopia control program that can help to slow this progression to preserve their eyesight.
We also assess for amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), and convergence insufficiency. These conditions do not improve without proper treatment, so intervention by an optometrist and possibly other medical professionals is necessary.
Keep an Eye on Your Child’s Vision
While your child may not be able to explain their vision to you, there are some common signs of vision problems in children that you can keep an eye out for. Signs include:
- Squinting
- Excessive eye rubbing or blinking
- Turning or tilting their head to see
- Covering or closing one eye, especially to read
- Complaining of frequent headaches
- Short attention span
- Dislike of near work, such as reading, writing, colouring, or Legos
- Holding objects such as books, tablets, or smartphones close to their face
- Poor hand-eye coordination
- Decline in their school or sports performance
If you notice any of these signs, bring your child in for an eye exam. We’re happy to discuss any of your concerns and investigate for any cause of a vision problem.
Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Eye Exams
According to Canadian Association of Optometrists guidelines, infants should undergo their first eye exam between 6 and 9 months of age. Children should then receive at least one additional assessment between 2 and 5 years of age before entering school.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends annual comprehensive eye exams for school-aged children between 6 and 18 years old. If it has been more than a year since your child’s last appointment, please book an eye exam at our Saskatoon clinic today.
Common warning signs include frequent eye rubbing, squinting, sitting unusually close to screens, a short attention span, or struggling in school or sports. If you notice any of these symptoms, please call our clinic or schedule a children’s eye exam right away.
Yes, Saskatchewan Health Services covers the full cost of annual comprehensive eye exams for all children and youth under 18 years of age. Simply bring your child’s valid Saskatchewan Health Card to their appointment at our clinic.
Yes, optometrists use child-friendly picture charts, specialized lights, and non-verbal techniques to evaluate vision and ocular health in toddlers and young children. Your child does not need to know the alphabet or be able to read to undergo a thorough evaluation.
School vision screenings only test basic visual sharpness and frequently miss hidden issues related to eye coordination, tracking, and internal ocular health. A comprehensive exam ensures all visual skills are fully evaluated, so book an eye exam if it has been more than a year since your child’s last visit or if you notice any visual changes.
Visit Our Location
We’re located on the corner of Pinehouse Drive and Primrose Drive. Find us just across the street from Umea Vast Park. Free parking is available in front of the clinic.
Our Address
Contact Information
- Phone: 306-242-4186
- Fax: 306-242-5586
- Email: pecadmin@yxevision.ca
After Hours Emergencies: 306-371-9911
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