Child-friendly vision testing
Your child does not need to know letters or numbers. We can use pictures, shapes, lights, matching and other age-appropriate techniques to check vision and eye function.
Children's eye exams
Children's Eye Exams in Edmonton, St. Albert & Morinville
More than a school vision check, a complete look at your child's vision, development and eye health.
At Capital Vision Care, children's eye exams are designed to be thorough, gentle and age-appropriate. Our optometrists check more than whether your child needs glasses: we assess visual development, focusing, eye coordination, eye health, prescription needs and signs of myopia progression.
- Child-friendly testing for infants, kids and teens
- No letters or numbers required for young children
- Advanced imaging when appropriate
- Myopia screening and management options
- Alberta Health coverage guidance
- Six Edmonton-area locations
Why it matters
Kids Do Not Always Know Their Vision Could Be Better
Children often assume everyone sees the world the way they do. They may not complain about blurry vision, double vision, headaches or trouble focusing because they do not realize anything is wrong.
A comprehensive children's eye exam can help detect concerns that may affect reading, learning, sports, coordination, comfort and confidence. MyHealth Alberta notes that complete eye exams can detect vision problems and eye diseases children may not know they have, including amblyopia, strabismus and focusing problems.
A school vision screening can be helpful, but it is not the same as a complete eye exam. The Alberta Association of Optometrists explains that screenings check vision but do not fully assess eye health, eye coordination, peripheral awareness, eye-hand coordination or other visual skills used for learning.
In short
What Happens During a Children's Eye Exam?
A children's eye exam checks how clearly your child sees, how well their eyes work together, how they focus, whether they need glasses and whether their eyes are developing normally. Depending on your child's age and comfort level, the exam may include child-friendly vision testing, prescription measurement, eye alignment checks, focusing tests, depth perception, eye health assessment, retinal imaging and screening for conditions such as myopia, amblyopia, strabismus and other vision concerns.
Comfortable and complete
Child-Friendly Testing and Advanced Imaging, Explained Simply
Children's eye exams should feel comfortable, but they should also be complete. Before and during the exam, our team gathers information about your child's vision and eye health using age-appropriate testing and advanced technology when recommended.
Prescription and focusing checks
We check whether your child is nearsighted, farsighted, has astigmatism, or is having trouble focusing comfortably for reading, screens or schoolwork.
Eye teaming and coordination
We assess how well your child's eyes work together. Coordination problems can contribute to headaches, eye strain, reading discomfort or trouble keeping place on a page.
Depth perception and visual skills
We may check how your child uses both eyes together for depth, coordination, sports, classroom tasks and everyday activities.
Eye health assessment
Your optometrist checks the health of the front and back of your child's eyes and looks for concerns that may need treatment, monitoring or referral.
Retinal imaging when appropriate
Retinal imaging can give your optometrist a detailed view of the back of the eye, helpful for documenting eye health and comparing changes over time.
Eye pressure screening when appropriate
Depending on your child's age, symptoms and risk factors, your optometrist may recommend eye pressure screening as part of the exam.
Myopia screening
If your child is nearsighted or their prescription is changing, we can discuss whether myopia management may be appropriate.
Testing depends on your child's age, comfort level, symptoms and your optometrist's clinical judgment. Your clinic team can confirm what testing is recommended for your child's visit.
The value of a complete exam
Why a More Complete Children's Exam Matters
Children's vision can change quickly as they grow. A more complete exam helps your optometrist:
For many families, the most valuable part is clarity. You leave knowing whether your child's vision is developing normally, whether glasses are needed and whether there are any concerns that should be watched more closely.
- Create a baseline for future comparison
- Detect vision problems earlier
- Check how the eyes focus and work together
- Look for signs of eye health concerns
- Monitor prescription changes over time
- Identify myopia progression earlier
- Explain results clearly to parents
- Recommend glasses, treatment, monitoring or myopia management when needed
Beyond glasses
What We Look For During Your Child's Eye Exam
Your child's eye exam helps us assess vision, comfort, development and eye health. Depending on your child's age, symptoms, health history and test results, your optometrist may check for signs of:
- Nearsightedness
- Farsightedness
- Astigmatism
- Lazy eye, also called amblyopia
- Eye turn, also called strabismus
- Eye teaming and coordination problems
- Focusing difficulties
- Depth perception concerns
- Colour vision concerns
- Myopia progression
- Eye strain from reading or screens
- Eye rubbing, allergies, redness or irritation
- Contact lens readiness for older children or teens
- Eye health concerns that may need monitoring or referral
What to expect
What Happens at Your Child's Capital Vision Care Eye Exam
- 1 We start with parent questionsWe ask about your child's vision, school, reading, screen use, health history, family history, symptoms, medications and any concerns you have noticed.
- 2 We make testing age-appropriateFor younger children, we may use pictures, shapes, lights, matching or simple games. For older children and teens, testing may look more like an adult eye exam.
- 3 We check vision, focusing and eye coordinationYour optometrist checks how clearly your child sees, how their eyes focus and how well the eyes work together.
- 4 We assess eye healthYour optometrist checks the health of your child's eyes and may recommend imaging or additional testing when appropriate.
- 5 We explain the results clearlyYou will leave knowing whether your child needs glasses, monitoring, myopia management, treatment or a routine follow-up.
- 6 We help with glasses if neededIf your child needs glasses, our optical team can help choose frames and lenses that fit properly, feel comfortable and hold up to everyday kid life.
Ready to book?
Book your child's eye exam at any of our six Edmonton-area clinics. Child-friendly testing, with Alberta Health coverage guidance.
Book a Children's Eye Exam
When to book
When Should Your Child Have an Eye Exam?
The Alberta Association of Optometrists recommends children have eye exams at these stages:
| Age | Recommended timing |
|---|---|
| 6 to 9 months | First eye exam |
| 2 to 5 years | At least one exam before school age |
| 6 to 19 years | Once every year |
These visits help monitor how your child's vision is developing and give your optometrist a chance to detect concerns early. MyHealth Alberta lists the same schedule and notes that children with signs of misaligned eyes, lazy eye, nearsightedness, red, swollen or cloudy eyes, or a family history of eye problems should be examined by an eye doctor.
Book Sooner if You Notice These Signs
- Squints or closes one eye
- Holds books, tablets or screens very close
- Sits close to the TV or classroom board
- Complains of headaches or tired eyes
- Avoids reading or loses their place while reading
- Covers one eye
- Tilts their head to see
- Rubs their eyes often
- Has trouble concentrating on near work
- Complains of blurry or double vision
- Has light sensitivity
- Struggles with hand-eye coordination
- Has a turned or wandering eye
- Has frequent prescription changes
- Has a parent or sibling with significant myopia
A natural next step
Learn About Myopia Management
Is Your Child Becoming More Nearsighted?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, often starts in childhood and can progress as kids grow. If your child's distance vision is getting blurrier, they are squinting at the board, or their glasses prescription keeps changing, a children's eye exam may lead to a myopia management conversation.
Myopia management is different from simply updating a stronger glasses prescription each year. It is designed to help slow progression and support long-term eye health.
Good to know
Quick Questions
Are children's eye exams covered in Alberta?
There is partial Alberta Health coverage toward annual eye exams for children and youth until their 19th birthday. Some services or testing may involve additional fees, and optometrists are required to discuss fees before providing services that exceed the AHCIP benefit.
Does my child need to know letters?
No. Children do not need to know letters or numbers to have an eye exam. We can use pictures, shapes, lights, matching and other child-friendly methods.
Is a school vision screening enough?
No. A screening can be useful, but it does not replace a comprehensive eye exam. Screenings do not fully assess eye health, eye coordination, peripheral awareness, eye-hand coordination or other visual skills needed for learning.
Where to go
Book a Children's Eye Exam Near You
Capital Vision Care offers children's eye exams at six Edmonton-area clinics. Choose the location that works best for your family's schedule, school route, commute or neighbourhood.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my child have their first eye exam?
Children should have their first eye exam between 6 and 9 months, at least one exam between ages 2 and 5, and annual exams from ages 6 to 19.
Are children's eye exams covered by Alberta Health?
There is partial Alberta Health coverage toward annual eye exams for children and youth until their 19th birthday. Some services may involve additional fees if they exceed the AHCIP benefit, and those fees should be discussed before treatment.
Does my child need to know letters for an eye exam?
No. Children do not need to know letters or numbers. Optometrists can use pictures, shapes, lights, matching and other age-appropriate techniques to assess vision and eye health.
What are common signs my child may need glasses?
Common signs include squinting, sitting close to screens, holding books close, headaches, eye rubbing, covering one eye, losing place while reading, blurry vision, double vision or trouble seeing the board at school.
Is a school vision screening the same as an eye exam?
No. A school vision screening is not the same as a comprehensive eye exam. Screenings can miss eye health problems, eye coordination issues, focusing problems and other visual skills needed for learning.
What vision problems can children have?
Children may have nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, amblyopia, strabismus, focusing problems, eye coordination concerns or eye health issues. A comprehensive exam helps identify what is happening and what to do next.
What is myopia management?
Myopia management is care designed to help slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. If your child's prescription keeps getting stronger, your optometrist may recommend a dedicated myopia assessment.
How long does a children's eye exam take?
Most children's eye exams take about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your child's age, comfort level, testing needs and whether glasses or additional imaging are recommended.
Will my child need eye drops?
Sometimes. Your optometrist may recommend drops if they need a better look at the inside of the eye or need to confirm the prescription. If drops are needed, the team will explain what to expect.
Can kids wear contact lenses?
Some older children and teens can wear contact lenses if they are ready for the responsibility. Your optometrist will assess maturity, hygiene, prescription, eye health and lifestyle.
Explore more
Related Services
Ready to Book Your Child's Eye Exam?
Help your child see clearly, learn comfortably and protect their vision as they grow. Book a children's eye exam at one of six Capital Vision Care clinics across Edmonton, St. Albert and Morinville.
Sources
Sources and Further Reading
Trusted background on eye exams for children and recommended timing: