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Children Eye Exams

Setting the Foundation for Lifelong Vision

Young eyes are constantly developing and require special care to ensure healthy growth and normal visual development. At Ottawa Valley Vision, our children's eye exams are designed to be a positive experience for your child, while providing an accurate assessment of their visual health. We are committed to helping our young patients achieve their potential and create their best lives. Our treatments will enhance visual coordination and visual perception by improving depth perception, hand-eye coordination and visual information processing.


Trust our locally-owned optometry clinic to provide comprehensive eye care for your entire family.

children eye exam

Comprehensive Eye Care for Infants & Children

The eye doctors at Ottawa Valley Vision have a special interest in pediatric optometry and have received additional training in providing eye examinations for infants, toddlers and special populations. Our experienced optometrists at Ottawa Valley Vision have the necessary tools and techniques to effectively examine infants and young children, even before they can communicate verbally.


The Ontario Association of Optometrists recommends that children have their first eye exam at 6 months old to ensure proper visual development and rule-out factors that could interfere with normal vision maturation. After the first eye examination, it is recommended that most children be seen annually. Our pediatric optometrists may recommend more frequent follow-up examinations if an issue is detected that requires closer monitoring.



Infant eye examinations focus on crucial visual health factors such as large refractive errors and ocular health issues. Exams for children aged two and older assess and emphasize the development of normal visual skills such as eye teaming, eye tracking, and eye focusing. Early detection of vision issues, near-sightedness, far-sightedness, astigmatism, amblyopia or strabismus is essential for a child's learning and development.

The Significant Role of Vision in Academic & Social Development

Vision plays a crucial role in a child's academic and social development, as it affects their ability to read, write, and interact with their environment. Proper visual skills, such as eye teaming, eye tracking, and eye focusing, are essential for a child's learning process and overall development.


Early detection of vision problems helps ensure that children can effectively engage in academic tasks and social interactions, which contributes to their success in school and building meaningful relationships. By prioritizing eye care and regular pediatric eye exams, parents can support their child's growth and development, setting them up for a lifetime of healthy vision and improved quality of life.

children eye exam appointment

FAQs

  • At what age should my child have their first eye exam, and how often should they have follow-up exams?

    The Ontario Association of Optometrists recommends that children have their first eye exam at 6 months old. This initial examination is crucial for detecting any early vision problems and ensuring proper visual development. 


    After the first exam, children should have their eyes examined again at two years old and then on an annual basis thereafter. Regular eye exams help identify any changes in your child's vision, monitor their visual skills development, and detect any eye health issues that may interfere with their learning and social interactions.

  • What can I expect during my child's eye exam at Ottawa Valley Vision?

    At Ottawa Valley Vision, our experienced optometrists provide comprehensive eye examinations tailored to your child's age and specific needs. 


    For infants, we use preferential looking techniques to determine their visual abilities, as well as assess their eye health and crucial visual skills. For children aged two and up, the examination focuses on evaluating visual skills such as eye teaming, eye tracking, and eye focusing, as well as detecting any eye health issues or vision problems like near-sightedness, far-sightedness, or astigmatism. 


    Our optometrists strive to make the examination process engaging and comfortable for your child while providing thorough assessments to support their visual development.

  • What should I do if I suspect my child has a vision problem?

    If you suspect your child has a vision problem, it is important to schedule an eye examination with a qualified optometrist as soon as possible. Early detection and intervention are crucial for addressing vision issues and ensuring proper visual development. 


    Our optometrists at Ottawa Valley Vision are experienced in evaluating and managing a wide range of pediatric vision problems. They will provide a comprehensive examination, discuss any concerns, and recommend appropriate treatment or management strategies to support your child's visual health and overall well-being.

Other Services

At Ottawa Valley Vision, we offer an extensive range of services tailored to cater to your unique eye care needs. From comprehensive eye exams for adults and children to prescription eye glasses and dry eye treatment, our experienced eye doctors are committed to ensuring optimal visual health for everyone.

pediatrician doing vision test

Effective Vision Therapy For All Ages

Discover the transformative power of vision therapy at Ottawa Valley Vision. Our customized vision therapy programs are designed to improve visual skills, coordination, and perception. Ideal for addressing various vision issues in both children and adults, our personalized approach ensures maximum results.


Schedule an appointment to explore how vision therapy can enhance your quality of life.

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