Pediatric Eye Care
It’s imperative that your child receives regular eye exams to make sure their learning and early development isn’t impeded in any way. Research has shown that up to 80 per cent of a child’s learning takes place visually, and eye problems or deficiencies are often cited as a reason for poor performance at school.
By beginning your child’s eye exams at an early age with a warm and welcoming optometrist like Specs in the City, you’ll lay the foundation for your child to take care of its eyesight and be more open and comfortable when it comes to them wearing glasses. With a focus on making eye care fun, our SE Calgary optometry clinic is here to safeguard your child’s vision from the very start.
Did you know all children’s eye exams are covered by the province?
It’s understandable that in these uncertain and shaky economic times parents are worried about finding affordable vision care for their children. That’s why we do our best to inform parents at every opportunity that eye exams for those between the ages of 0 and 18 are covered by Alberta Health Care. Cost shouldn’t be a barrier to accessing timely and important eye exams and we’re very happy the province agrees. With our comprehensive and in-depth eye exams fully covered, you can rest easy knowing your child will get the best care possible and be able to start off on the right foot when it comes to their vision. Our SE Calgary optometrist clinic will also work with you to select strong, cost-effective glasses should your child need them.
The Alberta Association of Optometrists EYE SEE ... EYE LEARN program provides FREE glasses for kindergarteners
In another effort to reduce or eliminate the barrier of cost when it comes to vision care, any kindergarten-aged child in Alberta who has had a comprehensive eye exam carried out by a doctor of optometry and been determined to need glasses is provided with a free pair.
The best part? There are no forms or hoops to jump through! Simply book an appointment with our SE Calgary optometrist and let them know you would like to take part in Eye See … Eye Learn. It’s that easy.
When should I book an eye exam for my child?
Compared to adults who are recommended to get their eyes examined once every two years, children have a different vision care timetable as outlined by the Canadian Association of Optometrists. They recommend following the below schedule:
- Babies are recommended to have their first eye exam between 6 and 9 months
- Children between 2 and 5 should have at least one eye exam between that period
- Children between 6 and 19 should receive an annual eye exam
Get in touch
From scheduling your baby’s first eye exam to picking out a new pair of specs for your high schooler, the Specs in the City optometry team has your child covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s important to keep an eye out for any of the following signs or symptoms in between your child’s eye exams so any new issues are addressed immediately.
Call us today if you’re child is doing any of the following or having any of these issues:
- Blinking excessively
- Covering one eye or squinting frequently
- Rubbing their eyes often
- Concentration issues while looking at a specific objects
- Troubles maintaining eye contact
- Keeping a book close to their face when reading
- Putting their finger underneath sentences when reading
- Dizziness or headaches
- Sudden performance problems at school
- Uncharacteristic clumsiness
Our comprehensive children’s eye exam with our SE Calgary kid’s eye doctor includes testing for:
- Overall eye health
- Colour blindness
- Hand-eye coordination
- Eye movement control
- Peripheral perception
- Ability to focus
- Near and distance vision
Once your child’s exam is complete our optometrist will make suggestions about what type of frames or lenses will work best for your kid's vision needs. They’ll also discuss whether they’re at a suitable age for contact lenses, and what type of options are available for children who play sports and require protective eye equipment.
Our convenient SE Calgary optometry clinic is located right off Blackfoot Trail in the Meadows Mile Professional Building.
Contact Us Today!
Your eyes are our priority! Our knowledgeable and professional staff can answer all your questions. Call us today at 1-403-252-2020 or fill out the form below:
