Vision and learning are deeply connected — by some estimates, up to 80% of what a child learns in the classroom is visual. Yet many vision problems in children go unnoticed, because kids rarely know their eyesight is different from anyone else's.
When Should a Child Have an Eye Exam?
The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends a first eye exam between 6 and 9 months, another between 2 and 5 years, and then annually once school begins. At Style Eyes, we see children 6 and up for comprehensive exams at our downtown Burlington boutique.
Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Exam
- Sitting very close to screens or holding books unusually near
- Squinting, head tilting, or covering one eye
- Frequent headaches or eye rubbing
- Losing their place while reading, or avoiding reading altogether
- Short attention span for close-up work
- A drop in school performance without an obvious cause
A school vision screening is not a substitute for a full exam — screenings typically test distance vision only and miss focusing, eye-teaming, and health issues.
What Happens During a Child's Eye Exam
The visit is relaxed and age-appropriate. We check how clearly each eye sees, how the eyes work together, focusing ability, colour vision, and overall eye health. Nothing is uncomfortable, and we explain each step so children know what to expect.
Common findings include myopia (nearsightedness), which is rising sharply in children worldwide, along with hyperopia, astigmatism, amblyopia (lazy eye), and strabismus. Caught early, most are highly treatable.
OHIP Covers Children's Eye Exams
In Ontario, OHIP covers one routine eye exam per year for anyone 19 and under, along with any medically necessary follow-up visits. For Burlington families, that means an annual exam at no cost.
Frames Kids Actually Want to Wear
The best pair of glasses is the pair a child will keep on. We carry durable, flexible, lightweight frames sized properly for growing faces, and Master Optician Farshad Nekoui fits every pair in person so they stay put through school, sports, and playgrounds.
Style Eyes is at 468 Brant Street, Unit 1 in downtown Burlington, with free parking nearby. Book your child's eye exam or see all of our services.