Promoting Vision Health for Your Little Ones
When it comes to your children’s vision, checking to see if their eyes are healthy is paramount for their overall well-being, especially in academic settings. While school vision screenings are common, they may not provide the detailed insights needed for your child’s visual development and eye health.
Regular eye exams at Dorchester Optometry are designed to keep you informed about your child’s vision, detect potential issues, and contribute to their long-term eye health. Schedule your child’s next eye exam online today to prioritize their health.
How Often Should Kids Get Eye Exams
In accordance with the Canadian Association of Optometrists, we suggest the following eye exam schedule for your children:
- First eye exam between 6–9 months old
- At least 1 eye exam between 2–5 years old
- Annual exams for children aged 6–19 years old
Depending on your child’s unique visual needs, our team may recommend a personalized exam schedule.
Myopia Control at Dorchester Optometry
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common vision condition that can impact your child’s distance vision from a young age. Left uncorrected, myopia can affect various aspects of their life.
At Dorchester Optometry, we offer comprehensive myopia control methods, including orthokeratology (ortho-k) contact lenses, atropine eye drops, Abiliti contact lenses, myopia control eyeglasses, and more.
Signs of Vision Problems in Children
Children might not always realize or be able to express it when something is wrong with their vision. Watch out for signs such as:
- Frequent squinting
- Rubbing their eyes often
- Sitting very close to the television
- Avoiding close-up activities like reading
- Losing their place while reading
- Needing a finger as a guide while reading
- Holding reading material too close to their face
- Complaining of headaches
- Complaining about double vision
- Covering 1 eye when looking at things
- Tilting their head frequently
- Having a misaligned eye
If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with our team. Spotting potential issues today can make a significant difference in your child’s vision tomorrow.
What to Expect During Your Child’s Eye Exam
During your child’s eye exam, our team will assess:
- Visual acuity at different distances
- Eye focusing during rapid changes in distance
- Eye tracking when looking from one object to another
- Eye teaming—how both eyes work together
- Hand-eye coordination—linking visual information to hand movements
- Visual perception—organizing images into letters, words, and ideas
The Eye See…Eye Learn Program
Dorchester Optometry is proud to participate in the Eye See…Eye Learn program. This provincially administered government program is designed to ensure that all junior kindergarten children in Ontario can get a comprehensive eye exam with a local, participating optometrist before they begin grade 1. The cost of the exam is covered by OHIP.
Children that need glasses are provided with a pair in their prescription free of charge. Contact our team today to learn more.
Schedule Your Child’s Next Eye Exam
The team at Dorchester Optometry takes pride in being part of your child’s visual journey. It all begins with consistent and comprehensive eye exams. Book online to schedule an appointment and start your child on the path to long-term eye health.
Explore More of Our Services
We have even more services to offer at Dorchester Optometry.
Laser Eye Surgery Consultations
We offer comprehensive laser eye surgery consultations for patients considering LASIK and PRK. We provide co-management for pre and post-operative care with your surgical team. Learn more about what to expect when you visit us for a consultation.
Emergency Eye Care
Eye emergencies can happen at any moment. We can help prevent serious consequences for your eye health. If you or someone you know is experiencing an eye emergency, call Dorchester Optometry right away at 226-212-7361 for a same-day emergency appointment or proceed to the nearest emergency room.
Diabetic Eye Exams
Diabetes can affect more than just your blood sugar—it can also affect your vision. Our diabetic eye exams can provide more information about how diabetes may be affecting your vision. Learn more about our diabetic eye exams today.
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Come See Us
Dorchester Optometry is conveniently located on Dorchester Road, in the same plaza as the Tim Hortons, with free parking available onsite.
We know it isn’t always easy to make time to visit the optometrist during regular work and school hours, which is why we offer extended hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Our Address
- 2135 Dorchester Rd.
- Dorchester, ON N0L 1G3
Contact Information
- Phone: 519-268-6875
- Email: [email protected]