Eye Doctors Devoted To Your Child’s Vision
Our pediatric optometrists in Abbotsford and Chilliwack love taking care of your child’s precious vision health. Our children’s eye exams are designed to be a total eye health discovery in about 30 minutes.
Your child relies on their vision for a vast amount of learning, from reading and participating in class, to language development and social skills. Regular eye exams can assess vision problems early and support your child’s healthy overall development.
When Does My Child Need An Eye Exam?
Your child’s vision care needs are unique to them, so once you’ve come in for an exam, we can advise on the ideal schedule for their eyes.
In general, the Canadian Association of Optometrists advises the following schedule:
- For infants, their first eye exam should happen between 6 and 9 months old
- Preschoolers should have at least one eye exam between age 2 and 5
- School-aged children should have an eye exam annually from age 6 to 19
What To Expect In A Children’s Eye Exam
Your child’s eye exam includes a visual acuity test with an eye chart that’s appropriate to their age. We’ll test whether they’re able to focus on objects both close-up and far away, and evaluate what vision correction they need, if any.
We’ll also test whether your child’s eyes are working properly together with an eye coordination assessment, and we’ll test their colour vision.
Common Vision Issues in Kids
As your child grows, their eyes change and grow, too.
Addressing changes in their vision as early as possible can help prevent more issues later in life while also ensuring that their eyesight doesn’t hold them back in the classroom.
Refractive Errors
Refractive errors are issues with the eyes focusing on objects that are close, far away, or both. This includes being nearsighted or farsighted or having astigmatism.
Refractive errors can be corrected (but not cured) with glasses or contacts, depending on your child’s age and preferences.
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
Amblyopia, which is weak vision in one eye, can happen when one eye has a much higher prescription than the other.
It’s best to treat amblyopia before age 6, when treatment is most effective. Left untreated, amblyopia can lead to blindness in the affected eye.
Strabismus (Crossed Eyes)
Strabismus results from the eye muscles not working correctly together. It typically shows up between birth and 21 months. Kids cannot outgrow it without treatment.
If untreated, strabismus can worsen, leading to amblyopia (lazy eye).
Myopia Control
Myopia (nearsightedness) affects about 3 in 10 Canadians. It begins in childhood and often progresses until about age 20.
Severe nearsightedness later in life can put your child at risk of serious issues, including glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment.
The good news is it’s possible to slow the development of myopia in kids using specialized contacts or glasses, so they can avoid issues associated with a high myopic prescription as they age. Learn all about our myopia control methods.
We’d Love To See You Soon
If it’s time for your child’s next eye exam, book an appointment with us today.
Come See Us
Abbotsford Location
- 1215 Sumas Way, Unit 200
- Abbotsford, BC V2S 8H2
- Phone: 604.859.9225
- Fax: 1-866-884-6887
- Email: [email protected]
- Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:15 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Chilliwack Location
- 8-45540 Market Way
- Chilliwack, BC V2R 0M5
- Phone: 604.846.3130
- Fax: 1-866-846-9371
- Email: [email protected]
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:15 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
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Chilliwack
- 8-45540 Market Way
- Chilliwack, BC V2R 0M5
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P: 604.846.3130
[email protected]
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Abbotsford
- 1215 Sumas Way, Unit 200
- Abbotsford, BC V2S 8H2
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P: 604.859.9225
[email protected]