Protect Your Child’s Vision for the Future
Your child’s vision affects how they learn, play, and grow. At Dr. Black Optometrist, we’re committed to caring for the health and development of young eyes. We’re here to provide clear, informative answers to any questions you have about your child’s eye health.
During your child’s eye exam, we’ll check their eye health, visual clarity, and how their eyes move together. We use noninvasive technology to keep your child’s exam comfortable and easy.
We’ll make your child’s eye exam fun and relaxed, using age-appropriate tools and vision prompts in our exams and sight tests. For nearsighted kids, we offer myopia control solutions that help protect their vision and slow prescription changes.
Safeguard your child’s sight for the future by booking an eye exam today.
Request AppointmentHow Often Should Kids Have Eye Exams?
Did you know that your child doesn’t need to read for a sight test? A child’s first eye exam should be between 6 months and 2 years of age. We use age-appropriate diagnostic tools and equipment to evaluate your child’s eyes and vision, no matter how young.
After their first eye exam, children should visit the optometrist annually, especially once they begin school. In Ontario, OHIP covers the cost of eye exams once a year for children 19 years old and younger. Any minor assessments deemed necessary are also covered.
Children’s eyes grow quickly, so yearly exams let us monitor their eye growth for signs of myopia as well as lazy eyes or crossed eyes. The sooner these conditions are noticed, the sooner we can correct them.
What Is Myopia Control?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is an eye condition that causes faraway objects to appear blurry. Myopia is often caused when the eye grows too long or the cornea is too curved, and light no longer focuses directly on the retina.
Kids with myopia will often have trouble seeing the whiteboard in class and may have coordination issues during sports. While glasses can correct their vision and help them see clearly, corrective lenses don’t prevent their eyes from getting worse.
We offer myopia control methods such as special glasses and contact lenses that help to manage myopia and slow its progression; your child’s prescription won’t change as quickly, protecting their sight for the future.
Screen Time & Eye Health
Even as adults, we notice the effects of staring at a screen for long hours. Our eyes may feel strained, dry, or fatigued after a few hours online. For children, the impacts of digital devices can be even more significant as their eyes are still developing.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) recommends limiting screen time for children depending on their age. Before the age of 2, CAO recommends no screen time, which increases to 1 hour per day for children 2–5, and 2 hours of recreational screen time for children 5–18.
If your child complains about dry, sore eyes after using digital devices, try limiting their screen time. Encourage them to spend more time outdoors, as this can reduce eye strain and help their eyes develop.
If reducing screen time doesn’t help your child’s dry eye symptoms, or you have a teenager whose homework demands extended screen time, let us know during their next appointment. We can provide options to help relieve their discomfort.
Glasses for Kids
Finding the right glasses for your child means balancing style, comfort, and durability. Your child shouldn’t feel restricted by their glasses—they should feel free to run and play with clear vision.
We offer kid-friendly frames that fit comfortably and snugly, so they stay on while your kid stays active. Our frames are durable, so they stand up to daily wear and tear. Our team will help your child choose glasses that fit well and match their style.
Partnering for Your Child’s Healthy Vision
We understand how important your child’s vision is to their learning and development. We’re here to help them see now and for the future.
Whether or not your child needs glasses, it’s crucial to maintain a regular eye exam schedule. Annual eye exams help us monitor their eye health and visual development. With yearly exams, we can monitor how their vision progresses throughout their childhood, allowing us to notice changes and manage or treat conditions early.
Take care of your child’s sight today and support their vision by booking an eye exam with Dr. Black Optometrist today!
Request AppointmentOur Vision Services
In-House Lab: Your New
Glasses Made Fast Right Here
Get your new glasses fast with our swift turnaround on most single vision prescriptions and a wide range of in-stock lens options. If you’re replacing your lenses, but keeping your current frames, we won’t need to send your glasses away. You can continue wearing your glasses until the lenses are ready.
In-House Lab: Your New
Glasses Made Fast Right Here
Get your new glasses fast with our swift turnaround on most single vision prescriptions and a wide range of in-stock lens options. If you’re replacing your lenses, but keeping your current frames, we won’t need to send your glasses away. You can continue wearing your glasses until the lenses are ready.
Visit Our Oshawa Eye Clinics
Simcoe Office
Vision Care Centre
We have convenient free parking just behind our building.
- 136 Simcoe St N
- Oshawa, ON L1G 4S7
Hours of Operation
*Saturdays once a month
Glazier Office
Medical Centre
Find us in the Glazier Medical Centre. Our Glazier eye clinic is accessible, with convenient ramp access and powered doors.
- 11 Gibb St.
- Oshawa, ON L1H 2J9
Hours of Operation
*Saturdays once a month
