Eyecare for kids

Your child should have their eyes examined at an early age as early detection of vision problems is important. A child who cannot see well is at a learning disadvantage. The optometrist will test for excessive or unequal amounts of nearsightedness, far sightedness, or astigmatism, eye movement ability and assess general eye health.

Symptoms that may indicate a child is experiencing vision problems include:

• Rubbing eyes repeatedly
• Dislike and avoidance of close work
• Holding head at an angle when looking at an object
• Shutting or covering one eye to focus
• Excessive blinking
• Holding books close to the face
• Using a finger as a place mark when reading
• Sitting too close to the television
• Developing red eyes
• Either eye turning in or out

Children 15 years of age and under in a family with a Community Services may qualify for subsidised optometrists visits and a subsidy toward the cost of glasses.