Children’s Eye Exams | Kingston & New Minas

Helping Kids See, Learn, and Grow

Your child’s eyesight plays a key role in how they learn, move, and experience the world. At Valley Family Optometry, we strive to make every visit comfortable and fun while providing thorough care that supports healthy vision at every stage of growth.

Our doctors take time to explain each step and help your child feel at ease. Early and regular exams help detect concerns such as nearsightedness, lazy eye, or eye misalignment before they interfere with learning or development.

Book your child’s next eye exam today and give them the clear, confident vision they need to thrive in school and beyond.

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When Should Children Have Their Eyes Examined?

Children’s eyes grow and change rapidly, which is why consistent monitoring is so important. The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends:

Infants and toddlers: First exam between 6 and 9 months old
Preschoolers: At least one exam between ages 2 and 5
School-age children: Annual exams starting at age 6

Regular eye exams allow us to monitor visual development and address problems early, before they affect confidence or school performance.

The Link Between Vision and Learning

A significant portion of classroom learning is visual, meaning even minor vision issues can substantially impact a child’s ability to read, write, and maintain focus. Some children may be misdiagnosed with attention or learning difficulties when the real issue is undetected vision trouble.

During your child’s eye exam, we assess how their eyes focus, move, and work together. If we find any challenges, we can recommend vision therapy, corrective lenses, or myopia control options to support better learning and comfort.

Myopia Control for Kids

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly common among children. It can progress as they grow, leading to thicker glasses and a higher risk of eye disease later in life.

Our team offers personalized myopia management options to help slow its progression, including specialty contact lenses and lifestyle guidance for screen time and outdoor play.

Learn more about our approach to myopia control.

What We Check for During a Children’s Eye Exam

We use noninvasive tests to evaluate your child’s vision and eye health, including:

Refractive errors: Nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism
Amblyopia (lazy eye): Reduced vision in one eye that can develop if the brain favors the other eye.
Strabismus (eye misalignment): When one or both eyes turn inward, outward, or upward
Focusing and tracking skills: How well your child’s eyes follow movement or switch between distances
Eye health and development: Checking for early signs of disease or structural concerns

Detecting these issues early helps us create a care plan that supports lifelong visual health.

Signs Your Child May Have a Vision Problem

Parents often notice small habits that hint at a vision issue. Watch for:

Squinting or closing one eye to see better
Sitting very close to the TV or holding books near their face
Rubbing eyes or blinking excessively
Frequent headaches or eye fatigue
Avoiding reading or near work

If you notice any of these signs, schedule an eye exam. Early care makes a lasting difference.

Setting the Foundation for Lifelong Eye Health

When your child needs glasses, we make the process simple and fun. Our optical team helps them find frames that fit comfortably and suit their personality, whether bold or subtle.

For older children and teens, contact lenses can be a great option. We teach proper handling, hygiene, and care so they can wear lenses safely and confidently.

Children’s eye exams are more than a vision check. They’re a chance to build healthy habits, prevent future problems, and support success in every part of life.

At Valley Family Optometry, we’re here to help your family see clearly and confidently. Book your child’s eye exam today at our Kingston or New Minas locations and give their eyes the care they deserve.

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