When Should My Child Have Their First Eye Exam? A Guide for Toronto Parents
Your Child’s First Eye Exam: Sooner Than You Might Think
As parents, we stay on top of so many health milestones — first vaccines, dental check-ups, growth charts — but when it comes to eye exams, many families aren’t sure when to start.
At Bayview Vision in Toronto, we often hear this question: “When should my child have their first eye exam?”
The answer might surprise you — and it could make a lasting difference in your child’s development, learning, and future success.
Why Are Early Eye Exams So Important?
Vision is about so much more than seeing clearly — especially for children. It’s how they explore their world, develop coordination, and build the visual skills they’ll use for reading and learning.
In fact, 80% of classroom learning happens through vision. If a child can’t see properly — or if their eyes aren’t working well together — it can lead to struggles in school, frustration, and even behavioral challenges.
And the tricky part? Kids rarely know how to tell you something is wrong with their vision.
When Should My Child Have Their First Eye Exam?
According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists:
First Eye Exam: At 6 months of age
Second Eye Exam: At 3 years old
Annually thereafter — or as recommended by your optometrist
Early eye exams can detect issues like:
Lazy eye (amblyopia)
Crossed eyes (strabismus)
High refractive errors (farsightedness, nearsightedness, astigmatism)
Binocular vision problems
Visual processing concerns
What Happens During a Child’s Eye Exam at Bayview Vision?
We make every exam child-friendly and stress-free. Our optometrists use special tests designed for infants and young kids — many of which don’t require your child to read letters.
We assess:
Eye health (front and back of the eyes)
Visual acuity (clarity of sight)
Eye coordination and teaming
Depth perception
Tracking and focusing abilities
For babies and toddlers, we may use lights, toys, and pictures to engage them — making the exam feel like a game.
OHIP Coverage for Children’s Eye Exams in Ontario
Great news for Toronto families: OHIP covers annual eye exams for children 19 years old and under.
This means there’s absolutely no cost to you for bringing your child in for their recommended exams.
Book Your Child’s Eye Exam in Toronto Today
Early detection is key — and it’s never too soon to prioritize your child’s eye health.
At Bayview Vision, we love working with families and guiding children toward clear, comfortable vision that sets them up for success.
📞 Call us at 416-487-5401 or book online to schedule your child’s first eye exam.