Children’s & Infants Eye Exams

Summary Content

Ensuring your child's visual health through regular eye exams is paramount. At Health Today, we understand that clear vision is vital for optimal learning and development. Pediatric eye care at our clinic incorporates cutting-edge techniques and technology tailored to young children, guaranteeing accurate testing and personalized care.

Studies indicate that a staggering 80% of learning relies on visual perception. For infants, exploring the world hinges upon their sense of sight. To foster healthy growth and development, it is crucial to schedule regular eye exams for your children with Health Today.

The Canadian Association of Optometrists advises that children should have their eyes examined at 6 months, at 3 years when beginning school, and annually from ages 6 to 18. For children with risk factors such as premature birth, eye misalignment, developmental delays, family history of vision issues, or prior eye injuries, we recommend even more frequent examinations.

EYE EXAMS FOR KIDS

Early Years - Eye Exam from Birth to 24 Months

Early Years - Eye Exam from Birth to 24 Months

A child's visual journey begins during the first 24 months of life. This period is vital for honing focus, eye coordination, and visual processing, all of which are essential for understanding the world. It also lays the foundation for critical motor skills like crawling, walking, and hand-eye coordination.

To ensure your infant's developmental milestones are met, schedule a comprehensive infant eye examination at 6 months. At Health Today, we specialize in pediatric eye care and understand the importance of early intervention. During this examination, our expert eye doctors will assess your child's development, check for potential issues like strabismus, farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism, and verify that their visual growth is on track.

For infants born prematurely or displaying signs of developmental delay, we recommend more frequent visits to our clinic to closely monitor their progress and maintain optimal eye health.

Eye Check-Up in Preschool Children: Ages 2-5

Eye Check-Up in Preschool Children: Ages 2-5

The toddler and preschool years are marked by significant growth in intellectual and motor skills. Children develop hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and perceptual abilities during this phase, all of which are dependent on clear vision. During these times, parents need to be aware of signs of lazy eye (amblyopia) or crossed eyes (strabismus), as early intervention yields higher success rates.

Parents should also be attuned to any developmental delays related to number or letter recognition, colour recognition, reaching for objects, or coordination, as these may be linked to visual issues. If you notice your child squinting, frequently rubbing their eyes, sitting very close to screens, or avoiding activities requiring visual skills, consult the experts at Health Today for a comprehensive evaluation.

Eye Exams in School-Aged Kids: Ages 6-18

Eye Exams in School-Aged Kids: Ages 6-18

Undetected or untreated vision problems can adversely impact a child's academic, social, and athletic performance. If your child is struggling in school or extracurricular activities, there may be an underlying vision issue. Learning, motor development, reading, and many other skills depend not only on good vision but also on the ability of both eyes to work together harmoniously.

In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, be watchful for signs such as a short attention span, frequent blinking, headaches, or difficulties retaining information while reading. At Health Today, our comprehensive eye exams for school-aged children help identify and address these issues, ensuring your child enjoys optimal visual health and overall well-being.

Pediatric Eye Exam Experience at Health Today

At Health Today, our pediatric eye exams go beyond vision tests, examining internal structures for potential health conditions. Provide relevant medical history, including premature birth, developmental delays, family eye history, injuries, or medications. Upon diagnosing a vision problem, our eye doctors discuss tailored treatments like eyeglasses, contact lenses, or vision therapy. Early intervention is crucial for success, making prompt diagnosis our top priority. Our experts assess vital visual skills for comprehensive care.

Binocular vision

Binocular vision

Evaluating how the eyes work together seamlessly

Focusing Abilities

Focusing Abilities

Evaluating Hand-Eye Coordination

Peripheral Vision

Peripheral Vision

Evaluating the Seamless Integration of Side Vision

Color Perception

Color Perception

Examining the Synchronized Recognition of Colours

Hand-Eye Coordination

Hand-Eye Coordination

Evaluating Hand-Eye Coordination

Tracking Skills

Tracking Skills

Assessing Smooth and Accurate Eye Tracking

THE HEALTH TODAY PEDIATRIC EYE EXAM

Children's Eyeglasses, Contacts & Other Treatments

When your child is diagnosed with a vision problem, our experts will guide you through various therapeutic options, including:

  • Eyeglasses
  • Contact lenses
  • Eye patching
  • Vision therapy
  • Orthokeratology (Ortho-k)

Early detection and treatment of eye and vision issues during childhood can significantly impact your child's future success. Trust the experienced team at Health Today to safeguard your child's visual health and ensure they reach their full potential.
 

Did You Know Alberta Health Care Covers Eye Exams?

Ages 0-18: AHS covers one annual eye exam for all children. Additional coverage for medical needs is possible; speak with your optometrist for more.
Ages 19-64: Eye exams are not covered, but check with your insurance or our visit us at Health Today for possible billing options.
Ages 65+: AHS covers one annual eye exam, with potential additional coverage for specific medical conditions; speak with your optometrist for more.
Note: Urgent eye care and infections are covered*; no referral is needed. 
*Confirm any additional costs with our Optometrist before the appointment.

Screen Time Guidelines For Children

At Health Today, we prioritize your child's well-being. Schedule a pediatric eye exam today to ensure their healthy vision and bright future. Following recommendations by the Canadian Association of Optometrists:

Age 0-2 years: NONE

Age 0-2 years: NONE

For children in this age group, no screen time is recommended, except for live video chatting, as it may support social development.

Age 2-5 years: LESS THAN ONE HOUR A DAY

Age 2-5 years: LESS THAN ONE HOUR A DAY

It is advised that children aged 2-5 have less than one hour of screen time with age-appropriate, educational content under supervision.

Age 5-18 years: IDEALLY, LESS THAN TWO HOURS A DAY

Age 5-18 years: IDEALLY, LESS THAN TWO HOURS A DAY

Children between the ages of 5 and 18 are encouraged to limit recreational screen time to less than two hours per day. Individual screen time plans should be tailored to their developmental and educational needs.

We're Here To Help!