Children's Eye Exam Toronto: Signs of Vision Problems
Signs Your Child May Have a Vision Problem
If your child squints at the TV, sits too close to the screen, rubs their eyes often, tilts their head to read, or complains of headaches, these can be early signs of child vision problems, and a clear sign it may be time to book a children's eye exam in Toronto. Many children never mention trouble seeing because they assume everyone sees this way. That is exactly why spotting the signs early matters, and this guide walks you through what to watch for at every age.
TL;DR
Common signs of child vision problems include squinting, sitting close to screens, eye rubbing, head tilting, and headaches. Up to 80% of learning is visual, and 1 in 4 kids has an undetected vision issue. The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends a first exam at 6 to 9 months, then yearly from age 6. In Ontario, OHIP covers one children's eye exam every 12 months for ages 0 to 19. If you notice any signs, book an exam early.
What Are the Signs Your Child Needs Glasses?
Once you know what to look for, some signs are easy to spot. Watch for these everyday behaviours:
- Squinting or closing one eye to focus
- Sitting very close to the TV or holding books and tablets near the face
- Frequent eye rubbing, especially during focus-heavy tasks
- Tilting or turning the head to see better
- Headaches, tired eyes, or complaints of blurry or double vision
- Sensitivity to light or excessive tearing
- An eye that drifts, turns in, or turns out
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a head tilt or covering one eye can signal a refractive error or eye misalignment such as amblyopia (lazy eye). These clues are easy to miss.
Subtle Signs of Vision Problems Parents Often Miss
Not every sign is obvious. Many children quietly adapt, so the clues show up in behaviour and schoolwork instead:
- Losing their place or using a finger to track while reading
- Avoiding reading, drawing, puzzles, or other close-up tasks
- A short attention span or quickly losing interest in activities
- Trouble concentrating on homework or seeing the board at school
- Being mislabeled as restless, distracted, or inattentive
Here is what many parents do not realise: up to 80% of a child's learning is visual, yet roughly 1 in 4 school-aged children has an undetected vision problem. The Canadian Association of Optometrists reports that about 60% of students identified as "problem learners" actually have an undiagnosed vision issue, easily mistaken for trouble focusing.
What Causes Vision Problems in Children?
Most child vision problems fall into a few common categories:
- Myopia (nearsightedness): distant objects look blurry; cases are rising with more screen time
- Hyperopia (farsightedness): close-up tasks feel tiring or uncomfortable
- Astigmatism: blurred or distorted vision at all distances
- Amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus: the eyes do not work together, which can affect depth perception
The good news: most are highly treatable when caught early.
When to Book a Children's Eye Exam in Toronto
The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends a first eye exam between 6 and 9 months of age, another between ages 2 and 5, and yearly exams from age 6 onward.
In Ontario, this is easier than many parents expect: OHIP fully covers one comprehensive eye exam every 12 months for children and youth aged 0 to 19. School vision screenings help but are not a replacement for a full eye exam, since they often miss focusing and eye-teaming problems linked to reading. For the complete schedule, read our guide on how often your child should get an eye exam in Toronto, or learn exactly what happens during your child's eye exam before your visit.
Why Early Detection of Child Vision Problems Matters
A child's visual system develops most rapidly in the first 7 to 8 years of life. Catching an issue like lazy eye during this window leads to far better outcomes, since young eyes are much easier to correct than they are years later. More than 510,000 people in Ontario live with significant vision loss, yet roughly 75% of vision loss is preventable or treatable when caught in time (CNIB). Early care protects more than eyesight. It protects your child's confidence, learning, and development.
Book Your Child's Eye Exam Today
You know your child best. If you have noticed any of the signs above, trust your instinct and have their eyes checked, even if they have not complained. At EyeLike + Saigon Optical, our experienced optometrists provide gentle, age-appropriate children's eye exams in Toronto designed to catch vision problems early and keep your child seeing, learning, and thriving.
Book your child's eye exam online today or visit one of our Toronto locations. Clear vision is one of the best gifts you can give your child.
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Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can vision problems in children be detected?
As early as 6 months. The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends a baby's first eye exam between 6 and 9 months, well before a child can read or name letters.
Can a child have a vision problem without any symptoms?
Yes. Many children show no obvious signs because they assume their vision is normal, and conditions like lazy eye can develop silently. This is why routine eye exams matter even when nothing seems wrong.
Are school vision screenings enough?
No. School screenings mainly check distance vision and can miss focusing, eye-teaming, and reading-related issues. A comprehensive children’s eye exam by an optometrist is far more thorough.
Is my child's eye exam covered in Ontario?
Yes. OHIP covers one comprehensive eye exam every 12 months for all children and youth aged 0 to 19 in Ontario.
Can children's vision change quickly?
Yes. Vision can change rapidly during growth and school years, so annual exams keep prescriptions accurate and catch new problems early.