Protecting Even the Littlest Eyes
There’s a whole world out there for your little one to explore, and we’re here to see it all clearly and comfortably.
Regular eye exams are key to keeping their vision sharp and their eyes healthy. Knowing when to bring them in and what to look out for can make all the difference in their lifelong vision journey.
Kids may not realize that their vision looks different from that of their family and friends. They might think blurry distances are normal, display clumsy behaviour, or find reading frustrating. We want to help them see the difference.Plus, regular check-ups with their optometrist teach them the importance of caring for their health from a young age. Let’s get your child’s next eye exam on the books at Island Eyecare today.
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Visuals Skills Can Impact Your Child’s Future
About 80% of what children learn is based on vision. That’s why it’s vital to help your child develop by maintaining healthy visual skills. Eye focusing, depth perception, visual memory, and eye movements are just a few of the skills vision affects.
With regular eye exams, we get to know your child and can provide the right tools, treatments, and healthy habits to help them see clearly.
So When Does My Child Need an Exam?
Eye exams are necessary even before your child enters school. Children are continually exploring and learning the world around them from the moment they open their eyes.
Your child’s eyes should be regularly examined to get the care they need. If there are any signs of eye diseases or conditions during an exam, we’ll recommend treatment so any chances of harm are minimized.
If your child has a vision problem, like nearsightedness (myopia), or exhibits any risk factors like developmental delays, they may need more frequent exams.
During these exams, we measure axial length to help evaluate the risk of myopia and see if your child could benefit from myopia management.
According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists, you should have your child’s eyes examined before they are 9 months old. Their first eye exam is typically very basic and will involve assessing the overall health of your child’s eyes with a red reflex test.
As your child grows, it’s important to nurture good habits to improve their visual skills. Introducing toys like building blocks and reading to them can help them develop these skills.
Have their eyes examined at least once between the ages of 2 and 5 to assess if their eyes are developing normally. We can also help treat refractive errors, such as myopia, which requires proactive management.
Once your child starts school, they’ll be using their eyes a lot for both learning and play. If their visual skills are underdeveloped, they might struggle to focus or finish their schoolwork.
That’s why it’s essential to get their eyes checked once a year after they enter school. This way, we can catch any changes that could impact their learning and participation in class.
Common Pediatric Eye Diseases
A few common eye diseases often affect children and teens. Regular eye exams can detect and manage these conditions early, reducing the risk of serious vision problems or lasting damage.
Some common pediatric eye conditions to keep an eye out for could include:
- Refractive errors (like needing glasses)
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Strabismus (crossed eyes)
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
If you notice your child squinting or rubbing their eyes a lot, or if you just have questions, we’re here for you. Don’t hesitate to give us a call or book an appointment.
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Community Award
- Platinum in Administrative Services
- Platinum in Contact Lenses
- Platinum in Eyeglasses
- Platinum in Sunglasses
- Platinum in Opticians
- Platinum in Optometrists
Dry Eye Services & Diagnostics
At Island Eyecare, we work hard to find innovative ways to invest in your eye health and vision. We offer a range of modern technologies and treatment options to help alleviate dry eye and offer you genuine relief.
Our main goal is to get to the root of your symptoms, so you can enjoy longer-lasting relief from red, scratchy eyes.
Rediscover Clearer Vision with MacuMira
Island Eyecare is excited to offer MacuMira, a groundbreaking, noninvasive treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). If you have vision loss caused by dry AMD, MacuMira could be the solution you’ve been waiting for.
This clinically tested technology uses microcurrent stimulation to help nourish and restore your vision, improving your ability to see and experience life with greater clarity. Schedule a consultation with us to learn if MacuMira can help you take the first step toward clearer vision.
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University Teaching Program
Dr. Shaun MacInnis is thrilled to serve as a Clerkship supervisor at the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry and Vision Science. The Clerkship program offers students invaluable hands-on experience, significantly enhancing their clinical, diagnostic, and management skills.
Our Location in Sydney
Find us in Sydney, Nova Scotia, on the corner of Welton Street and Spruce Street. Our office is down just from the Sydney Memorial Chapel. There is ample free parking next to our building.
Our Address
- 117 Welton Street
- Sydney, NS B1P 5R6
Contact Information
- Phone: 902-539-0800
- Email: [email protected]
Hours of Operations
Our Google Reviews
Our Testimonials
Super friendly services. Cleanliness and sterilization routines were impeccable! You will feel 100% safe and comfortable here. They also have very modern and numerous pieces of equipment to assure that every aspect of your eye care is investigated thoroughly!
Ron D.
Outstanding practice! Dr. Shaun MacInnis has totally re-vamped this facility with the most advanced technologies in eye care and vision needs. Extremely professional, knowledgeable, and courteous staff. I highly recommend Brittany, a tremendous optician, who is sure to provide you with excellent service for all of your eyewear needs! She is superior in her field! Well done Island Eyecare!
Elizabeth M
Professional and courteous staff, took time to explain and answer questions. Very thorough examination and use of the latest technologies to support the doctor.
Alan A.
It’s always a great experience going to Island Eyecare. Shaun and staff are extremely knowledgeable and always a great pleasure to deal with! Shout out to Jessica who made my visit today a little brighter with her awesome personality and helpfulness. 🙂
Deanna H.
Loved my experience. The inside was completely made over, which completely blew me away. The staff were extremely helpful and up to date with the latest trends and technologies. The eye care professional was professional and very thorough.
Roddie M.
