At what age should I bring in my child for their first eye exam? I recommend that children have their first eye exam by the age of three, and then annually after that. Approximately five to ten percent of preschoolers and 25 percent of school-aged children have vision problems, and early diagnosis is essential. Testing can be modified to fit your child’s learning level and attention span. Many parents think that if their child can see small details, like a plane in the sky, that there is no reason to have their child examined. However, clear vision does not indicate healthy eyes, and vision is more than what you can see. It includes how you see, how the eyes work together, and how the brain interprets the information. Manitoba Health covers annual eye exams for children under 19.

Dr Ashley Britton, Independent Optometrist, Linden Ridge Eye Care, LReyecare.ca