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Kid's eyecare

Help them see the wonder

Your child’s eyes are an important part of their development.

Book a kids' eye exam

Your child’s eyes are special. Where we see the mundane, they see the wonder in the everyday. And in their early years, vision helps them discover the world around them. But did you know that by school age, more than 1 in 4 children have vision problems?*

Being able to see clearly is incredibly important in your child’s development, and we take their vision and eye health as seriously as you do.

Signs your child may need an eye exam

It can be hard to tell whether your child has vision problems, which is why regular eye exams are important. Did you know that in Canada, 45% of school aged children haven’t had an annual eye exam?* However, the Canadian Association of Optometry recommends that school aged children receive a comprehensive eye exam every year until they turn 19.**

There are several signs to look out for:

  • A ‘white reflex’ in photographs. This is similar in appearance to red‑eye, except it’s white. This is extremely serious. If you notice it, seek medical attention immediately

  • The presence of a ‘turn’ in the eye (squint or lazy eye) or a misdirection of the eyes

  • Closing one eye to read, watch TV or see better

  • Squinting their eyes or tilting their head to see better

  • Consistently sitting too close to the TV or holding a book too close

  • Avoiding activities which require near vision, such as reading or homework, or distance vision, such as participating in sports or other recreational activities

  • Sensitivity to light and/or excessive tearing

  • Frequent eye rubbing

  • Losing their place while reading, or using a finger to guide their eyes

  • Complaining of headaches or tired eyes

  • Avoiding using a computer or tablet because it hurts their eyes

Many very young children have their vision assessed as part of their routine developmental checks. While these are very important, they aren’t as thorough as a comprehensive eye exam by a qualified optometrist.

Conditions such as squint and amblyopia (lazy eye) respond much better to treatment if they’re picked up earlier, especially before the age of eight. The same goes for Myopia (also known as nearsightedness), which, if detected early, interventions such as myopia control spectacle and contact lenses can help slow the progression of.

Book a kids' eye exam

What happens during a kids’ eye exam?

We know that eye exams can be a little overwhelming for some kids — especially if it’s their first time. That’s why at Specsavers locations, the eye exam journey is as enjoyable and child‑friendly as possible.

You will, of course, be able to stay with your child throughout the appointment so you can see everything that happens.

What to expect at their appointment:

  1. A friendly welcome
    When you arrive in store, one of the friendly team members will check you in and show you and your child to the waiting area. They might also do some pre‑testing checks before taking you and your child to see the optometrist.

  2. Meet your child’s optometrist
    They’ll take you both into the exam room and ask you some questions about your child’s general health and eye health. You can ask any questions you may have, too.

  3. Time for the eye exam
    Charts are used allowing children to recognize shapes or pictures, or match letters, so their vision can be evaluated if they’re unable to read. A comprehensive kids’ eye exam, like an adult’s, checks eye health as well as vision.

  4. Choose some glasses
    If your child needs a new pair of glasses, they can explore our kids’ frames and try them on. We have lots of great kids’ options to choose from.

Kids’ eye exams at Specsavers locations include optical coherence tomography (OCT), when applicable. An OCT scan creates a detailed 3D image of your child’s eye and its structures, which helps your optometrist to detect certain eye conditions at early stages.

And if your child is eligible for provincial healthcare coverage, they can get a comprehensive eye exam with no cost to you. Terms and conditions apply.

Discover more

Your guide to eye exams

An eye exam isn’t just about getting glasses, it’s also an important health check for your eyes.

Learn about eye exams

Do I need an eye exam?

Eye exams play a huge part in making sure your eyes stay healthy.

Learn more

Book an eye exam

An eye exam helps ensure your eyes are healthy and you see as clearly as possible.

Book an appointment

  1. Eye exams conducted within Specsavers locations are provided by independent optometrists. In some cases, an optometrist may not see children of a certain age. Please contact your local Specsavers store to learn more.

    Provincial or territorial insurance coverage for eye exams may be available for seniors, minors, and individuals with certain medical conditions. For an eye exam to be covered by a provincial or territorial health care plan, patients must meet the specific eligibility requirements for coverage in the applicable province or territory. We recommend consulting your provincial or territorial health authority to determine your individual vision coverage prior to undergoing an eye exam. Patients not covered by their provincial or territorial health care plan must pay for the cost of an eye exam. Contact store for more details.

Sources:

* Angus Reid Group (2025) study conducted by the Angus Reid Group, on behalf of Specsavers

** The Canadian Association of Optometry (2023) Why is a comprehensive eye exam so important? Available at: https://opto.ca/eye‑health‑library/eye‑exam