Growing Eyes Need Eye Exams Too
Comprehensive eye exams are not only necessary for adults and seniors at risk of eye conditions. They’re also a crucial support for your child’s healthy development.
Children’s eyes are growing and developing quickly. During this vital period of growth, your child’s eyes should be examined regularly by an optometrist. We can catch signs of vision problems early and provide necessary interventions to help them see clearly.
It’s never too early to focus on your child’s eye health and visual development. We see children as young as 6 months for their first eye exam.
If it has been more than 12 months since your child’s last eye exam, it’s time to book an appointment.
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When Does My Child Need an Eye Exam?
We recommend children come in for their first eye exam at 6 months old, then yearly thereafter.
OHIP covers an annual eye exam for children 19 years and younger.
What to Expect During a Kid’s Eye Exam
We are experienced in working with children during their eye exams. We have testing toys for children of different ages to check their vision even before they can read or speak. We also have a toy machine in the office to help keep your kids busy while they wait.
Children’s eye exams include some digital imaging to check the health of their eyes and make sure that everything is growing and developing as expected. We’ll also check their eye teaming to make sure that their eyes are working well together. We have a vision therapy doctor in the office who can assist with in-depth evaluations.
We will look for symptoms of developmental conditions such as strabismus (crossed eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye), and myopia (nearsightedness). Each of these conditions requires intervention, and the sooner we can catch them, the more effective treatment can be.
Intervention may take the shape of specialty glasses or contact lenses, such as those for myopia control, or even a referral to a vision therapist. We’ll guide you every step of the way.
How Vision Impacts Learning
Vision is very important to your child’s development. It is estimated that up to 80% of learning is visual, including at school and at home. Whether they’re learning to read, interacting with other children, or playing sports, eyesight is involved.
Children with undiagnosed vision problems may struggle to maintain their attention with near skills such as reading and writing. They may also be diagnosed with behavioural problems such as ADHD. Because children lack a baseline of what normal vision looks like, they may not even know that they have a vision problem. That’s why regular eye exams are necessary.
Although they may not be able to express themselves, children may show signs of vision problems at home or at school. Some common signs include:
- Squinting, or head tilting and turning
- Excessive blinking or eye rubbing
- Tearing, red, itchy, or burning eyes
- Frequent complaints of headaches
- Eye turn or crossed eyes
- Holding objects close to their face
- Covering or closing one eye to read
- Difficulty learning the alphabet or how to read
If you notice any of these signs in your child, it may be time to book an eye exam.
Keep Their Vision Clear for the Future
If your child is nearsighted, normal glasses often aren’t enough. With myopia control, we can slow the change in their prescription and reduce their risk of future eye conditions.
Be Proactive About Your Child’s Vision
Your child’s vision is vital for developing many skills, such as reading, writing, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination. Help them develop strong skills by monitoring their vision and catching vision problems early.
Many developmental vision problems, such as lazy eye, crossed eyes, or myopia, will not improve without intervention. By catching these problems early, we can provide treatments to encourage healthy development and relieve your child’s symptoms.
Help set your child up for success. Book their eye exam today.
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Our Eyewear Brands
Visit Our Location
We’re located in Wilshire Plaza just off Bathurst Street and New Westminster Drive. There’s plenty of parking available.
Our Address
- 8020 Bathurst St, Unit 4A-2, Building B
- Thornhill, ON L4J 0B8
Contact Information
- Phone: 905-889-2940
- Email: tvc@thornhillvisioncare.ca
Hours of Operation
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What Our Patients Are Saying
“I have had a wonderful experience with Dr. Yi and her team. They are knowledgeable, friendly, and always make me feel at ease. When I come here for my eye exams and contact lens fittings, I know my eye health is in good hands!”
Maria R.
“I had such an amazing experience with Dr. Clara Yi. She was extremely helpful and was so kind. All the staff were also very welcoming and helpful. I highly recommend coming to this clinic for any vision needs!”
Sofia S.
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Thornhill Vision Care
- 8020 Bathurst St, Unit 4A-2, Building B
- Thornhill, ON L4J 0B8
- Phone: 905-889-2940
- Email: tvc@thornhillvisioncare.ca
