So When Does My Child Need an Exam?
It’s vital to have your child’s eyes regularly examined to get the care they need. If there are any signs of eye diseases or conditions during any exam, we will recommend treatment so any chances of permanent damage are minimized.
It’s also important to note that if your child has a vision problem or exhibits any risk factors like developmental delays or premature birth, they may need more frequent exams.
According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists, you should have your child’s eyes examined before they are 9 months old. This 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 foster good habits to improve their visual skills. Introducing toys like building blocks and reading to them will help them develop these visual skills and prepare them to read.
Have their eyes examined at least once between the ages of 2 and 5 to ensure their eyes are developing normally and treat any refractive errors.
When your child enters school, they will use their eyes frequently in learning and play. If their visual skills are lacking or impaired, they may experience difficulty keeping focus or completing schoolwork.
It’s essential to have your child’s eyes examined annually once they enter school to monitor for changes that may affect their ability to learn and participate in school.
