As a busy parent in Mississauga, keeping track of your child’s health appointments can be challenging. But when it comes to their eye health, early and regular exams are essential for academic performance, physical development, and overall well-being.
At Complete Eyecare, we provide expert, compassionate care for children of all ages—and we’re here to answer some of the most common questions local parents ask us.
When Should My Child Have Their First Eye Exam?
We recommend children have their first full eye exam at age 2, even if they don’t show signs of vision problems. This helps us detect concerns early when treatment is most effective.
In some cases—such as when a family doctor identifies an abnormal red reflex or a suspected congenital issue like pediatric cataracts or retinoblastoma—an infant may need an exam sooner.
After the initial visit, we advise annual eye exams for children with healthy vision. For those with specific conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye misalignment), or who are undergoing vision therapy, we may recommend more frequent follow-ups.
How Do You Examine Young Children Who Can’t Read?
Even if your child isn’t reading letters yet, they can still have an accurate eye exam. At Complete Eyecare, we use child-friendly tools, such as picture charts and shape recognition tests. Instead of letters, your child may be asked to identify symbols like a house, cake, or hand.
These tools help create a calm, engaging environment, allowing us to assess your child’s vision without stress or confusion.
Does My Child Need Glasses If I Wear Them?
Not necessarily. While genetics can play a role in your child’s vision, each child’s eyes develop differently. It’s common for siblings to have completely different prescriptions—or for only one child to need corrective lenses.
The only reliable way to know if your child needs glasses is through a comprehensive eye exam that evaluates their visual clarity, eye health, and developmental milestones.
Can Screen Time Harm My Child’s Eyes?
Yes—excessive screen time, especially without breaks, can strain young eyes and contribute to the development or worsening of myopia (nearsightedness).
Here’s why:
- Extended close-up focus on screens puts stress on the eye’s focusing system.
- This ongoing strain can lead to elongation of the eye, a structural change associated with myopia.
- Children already diagnosed with myopia may experience faster progression if screen habits aren’t managed.
To protect your child’s vision, we recommend:
- Following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Limiting uninterrupted screen sessions.
- Increasing outdoor play, which supports healthy eye development.
If your child has myopia, we offer myopia control treatments, including:
- MiyoSmart® lenses
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
- Specialty soft contact lenses
These solutions can slow the progression of myopia and help preserve long-term vision health.
Why Choose Complete Eyecare for Pediatric Eye Care?
At Complete Eyecare, we provide trusted vision care services in Mississauga for children from infancy through adolescence. Our eye care team is known for delivering professional, personalized care that helps kids feel comfortable and supported.
Here’s why families trust us:
- Specialized pediatric exams designed for all developmental stages
- Friendly, experienced optometrists and staff trained in working with children
- Durable, stylish children’s eyewear and lens options including MiyoSmart®
- Comprehensive care under one roof—from routine exams to myopia management, vision therapy, and disease monitoring
We’re committed to supporting your child’s eye health every step of the way, into adulthood.
Book Your Child’s Eye Exam in Mississauga
Whether you’re scheduling a first eye exam, noticing a change in your child’s vision, or want to explore myopia treatment, Complete Eyecare is here to help.
Call us at (905) 363-2994 or book an appointment online to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a child’s eye exam take?
Typically, a pediatric eye exam takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your child’s age and needs.
Is my child’s eye exam covered by OHIP?
Yes. Children under 20 in Ontario are eligible for one OHIP-covered eye exam per year.
My child hasn’t complained about their vision. Should I still book an exam?
Absolutely. Many children adapt to poor vision without realizing it. A comprehensive eye exam is the only way to ensure their eyes are developing properly.
