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When Should Your Child Have Their First Eye Exam?
Visual health plays a crucial role in a child's overall development. From the early years, vision influences learning, motor skills, communication, and even social interactions. However, many visual problems go unnoticed because children don't always know how to express what they see... or don't see.
At 6 months: A first look at vision
According to the Association des optométristes du Québec (AOQ), a first eye exam can be done as early as 6 months old. At this stage, the optometrist evaluates the proper development of the eyes, eye coordination, and detects early signs of issues like strabismus or amblyopia (lazy eye).
At 3 years: A recommended comprehensive exam
Around the age of 3, a comprehensive eye exam is strongly recommended. This is a key step to ensure the child develops adequate functional vision before starting kindergarten. The optometrist can then assess distance and near vision, shape and color perception, and eye-hand coordination.
Before starting school: A must
At the age of 5 or 6, just before starting school, another exam is crucial. This is when visual demands increase: reading, writing, prolonged concentration... Uncorrected vision can hinder learning and self-confidence.
Signs to Watch for in Kids
Physical signs
Frequent blinking or eye rubbing
Redness, tearing, or itchy eyes
Frequent headaches, especially after reading
Drooping eyelids or crossed eyes (strabismus)
Behavioral signs
Difficulty maintaining attention in class
Slow or hesitant reading, skipping words or lines
Getting too close to books or screens
Avoiding activities that require precision (coloring, puzzles)
Complaining of blurry or double vision
These signs may indicate an undiagnosed visual problem. About 1 in 4 children has a vision problem that can affect their academic success.
And if a problem is detected? Visual rehabilitation comes into play
When a visual problem is diagnosed — such as strabismus, amblyopia (lazy eye), or binocular coordination issues — the optometrist may recommend visual rehabilitation, also known as vision therapy.
What is visual rehabilitation?
It is a personalized program of visual exercises, often playful, aimed at:
- Improving coordination between the two eyes (binocular vision)
- Strengthening visual concentration ability
- Developing spatial perception and visual memory
- Correcting certain learning disorders related to vision
These exercises are performed in the clinic, under the supervision of an optometrist, and sometimes continued at home. They may include games with special lenses, prisms, colored filters, or screen activities.
For which children?
Visual rehabilitation is particularly beneficial for children who:
- Have a lazy eye (amblyopia)
- Have strabismus (deviating eye)
- Have difficulty following lines while reading
- Complain of double or blurry vision
- Have attention or eye-hand coordination issues
Visual rehabilitation is one of the recommended approaches to correct certain visual problems not related to a refractive error. It complements wearing glasses and can significantly improve the child's quality of life and academic success.
And after?
It is recommended to have an eye exam every year throughout schooling, especially if the child already wears glasses or shows symptoms.
The exam is covered by the RAMQ for children aged 0 to 17 in Quebec, and there is a $300 reimbursement for the purchase of glasses or contact lenses.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child's vision, do not hesitate to consult your Opto-Réseau optometrist at the clinic nearest you.
Sources :
Association des optométristes du Québec
Canadian association of optometrists
Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec