Next-Generation Vision Protection
for Your Children
Routine eye exams are a key part of maintaining ocular health and clear vision for people of all ages. Having an eye doctor examine your children’s eyes is the most effective way to learn about vision problems and eye diseases before they can cause severe or permanent consequences and take steps to correct these issues.
At Thompson Rivers Family Optometry, we take a proactive, detail-oriented approach to children’s eye health and vision. Many eye problems can appear early in life, ranging from minor discomfort to severe health risks. Our team is standing by to provide your family with effective help for all of them.
Book your child’s eye exam with us today.
When Does My Child
Need an Eye Exam?
We follow the Canadian Association of Optometrists’ recommendations, beginning our eye exams with children as young as 6 months old. The recommended frequency includes:
- First eye exam between 6 and 9 months old
- Second eye exam for children between 2 and 5 years old
- Annual eye exams after children begin school
Kids eye exams are free of charge for ages 0–18 with a valid BC Care Card (MSP). Remember to bring your child’s BC Care Card to theireye exam.
Why Are Children’s Eye Exams Important?
Children are rapidly growing, learning, and developing throughout their childhood. Their vision is an important part of this learning and development. Since 80% of classroom learning is visual, having clear and functional vision is imperative for academic success.
Vision is also necessary for developing skills such as:
- hand-eye coordination
- depth perception
- spatial awareness
- eye focusing
- eye teaming (how well the eyes work together)
Many children can’t express their vision difficulties because they don’t have an understanding of what clear vision should look like. Additionally, some vision problems may not be caught in a vision screening or sight test at school, but will be noticed in a comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist.
We perform a thorough evaluation to make sure that their vision is clear, functional, and comfortable. If we detect signs of vision problems, we’ll discuss our findings with you and recommend next steps for treatment.
The earlier we detect and diagnose vision problems in children, the easier and more effectively we can treat them.
Preparing for Your Child’s Eye Exam
A child’s eye exam is similar to an adult’s exam, with a few different tests to check visual development. Our eye doctors are experienced in working with children and can help your child feel at ease during their exam.
Please make sure to bring any current prescription eyewear your child uses, their BC Care Card (MSP), additional benefits information, status card (if applicable), and a list of current medications your child is taking.
You have an option to pre-fill their patient intake form and family consent form before the appointment.
We also ask that your child removes their contact lenses (if applicable) prior to the exam.
During pre-testing, we complete various tests to measure your child’s refraction (whether they have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism) and general eye health.
Our testing devices used in children’s eye exams are the ARK, tonometry, and Optos Nikon California. We may also use OCT scans for children with a diabetes diagnosis.
During the meeting with Dr. Allaway, he will check your child’s visual acuity (how well they can see at various distances), binocular vision (how well their eyes work together), and update their prescription, if necessary.
If your child needs vision correction, Dr. Allaway can discuss options and recommendations, including glasses and contact lenses, as well as medication that your child needs
Dr. Allaway will also discuss tips and strategies to help you and your child maintain their eye health. You’ll have time to ask questions or raise any concerns you or your child may have about their vision.
If your child is nervous about their upcoming eye exam, take a moment to go through our kids’ and general eye exams pages. Show them the devices we use and let them know what to expect during pretesting and in the exam room.
Let us know if your child has any sensory sensitivities or specific accommodations that we can keep in mind to help make their appointment experience smooth and easy.
Signs Your Child May Have a Vision Problem
Often, children lack the vocabulary or understanding of clear vision necessary to express their vision problems. However, you may notice signs that could indicate your child is experiencing discomfort or blurry vision. If you notice any of the following signs, be sure to bring your child in for a comprehensive eye exam:
- Squinting
- Excessive blinking or eye rubbing
- Tilting or turning their head
- Covering or closing one eye to see
- Tearing, red, itchy, or burning eyes
- Frequent complaints of headaches or tired eyes
- Holding objects, such as books or tablets, close to their face
- Poor attention span or dislike of near work (examples: reading, writing, homework, colouring, or Lego)
Sometimes, children with vision problems exhibit symptoms similar to ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning or behavioural conditions. If this vision problem goes undetected, they may be misdiagnosed with another condition. Treating a vision error can also make treatment or tutoring more effective for children with both vision problems and another condition.
The Healthy Eyes and Clear Vision
Your Child Deserves
Routine eye exams during childhood promote health, safety, and long-term success. By supporting their eye health now, you can promote healthy visual development, detect and treat any vision errors, and support their success in academics, sports, and other activities.
At Thompson Rivers Family Optometry, our team provides your child with the eye care they need today so they can enjoy healthy eyes and vision well into the future.
Is your child due for their annual eye exam? Book them in for their MSP-covered eye exam with us today.
Finding
Our Clinic
We’re located in the Northills Shopping Centre off Tranquille Road. Find our office between the CIBC and the Interior Health clinic on the north side of the mall. For your convenience, our entrance is directly accessible from the parking lot—no mall entry required.
Visit
Our Location
Our eye clinic is conveniently located at the Northills Shopping Centre.
Where to Park?
The mall offers spacious parking and accessible parking spaces.
Hours of Operation
*Closed between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM every day for lunch
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Land
Acknowledgement
Thompson Rivers Family Optometry gratefully acknowledges the unceded and traditional lands of the Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island, and more specifically, the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc territory, within the ancestral lands of the Secwepemcúĺecw on which we live, work, and play. We know that without continued learning and action, acknowledgement is meaningless. We’re committed to continued growth and education so that we can better respect, learn from, and advocate for all Indigenous Peoples.
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Thompson Rivers Family Optometry
- 250-376-1985
- 250-376-1309
- office@trfo.ca