Dr. Shonah Finlay Doctors Eye Care

Children's Eye Exams in Grande Prairie

Request an Appointment

Preserve Your Child’s Eyesight 

Many take their eyesight for granted, but it plays a vital role in our ability to understand the world around us. Children’s eyesight is even more important, as 80% of learning is visual-based

Strong vision is critical for a child’s development, and they should receive annual examinations between the ages of 6 and 19 to ensure healthy eyes and vision. 

Dr. Finlay has a special fondness for children and offers comprehensive children’s eye exams specially tailored to your little one. Please call us today to book them an appointment.

A mother holds her baby while he gets his eyes examined for the first time by an optometrist.

The Importance of Eye Exams for Children

Until adulthood, your child is in a constant state of growth, and their eyes grow alongside them. Issues related to vision can develop as they age and affect your child’s ability to learn.

Approximately 25% of Canadian children have an undiagnosed vision problem, and without treatment, it can affect their ability to:

  • Read
  • Focus on a whiteboard
  • Participate in classroom activities
  • Maintain concentration
  • Interact during activities
  • Play sports

Many children don’t know they have a vision problem because they think everyone sees the same way they do. But an eye exam can catch any issues you likely wouldn’t notice. 

When Should My Child Receive an Exam?

Your child does not even need to know how to read before their first eye exam. The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends your child has their first examination between 6 to 9 months old. They should then have at least one exam between the ages of 2 and 5. After your little one has started school, they should receive an annual exam until they turn 19.

Eye exams are not only to see if your child needs glasses; they also assess and determine your child’s visual health. We run several tests to determine this during your child’s exam, such as:

These tests can determine if your child is seeing correctly and provide an early diagnosis of any potential eye conditions. The earlier an ocular issue is found, the earlier treatment can begin and potentially save them from further complications.

Signs Your Child May Have a Vision Problem

If your child is suffering from a vision problem, they may not be able to articulate the issue. Keeping an eye on their interactions and understanding potential signs of vision problems can help you identify if your child is struggling. Some common symptoms include: 

  • Squinting or holding objects close to the face
  • Headaches and eye strain 
  • Head-turning or tilting 
  • Excessive blinking 
  • Tearing, itching, or burning eyes

There are plenty of other less common signs your child may have a vision problem. Pay attention if your child is struggling in school, dislikes near work, or has trouble reading. 

If your child is having difficulty seeing distant objects, squinting, or complaining of headaches or eye strain, they may be dealing with myopia.

Myopia (nearsightedness) is a common eye condition that can affect both children and adults. Myopia control methods, such as glasses, multifocal contact lenses, ortho-k, and atropine drops, can help correct myopia and potentially slow its progression.

With proper treatment and regular eye check-ups with our team, you can help your child take control of their eye health and potentially reduce the risks associated with untreated myopia.

Our Location

Our Address

  • 11709 102 Street, Unit 107
  • Grande Prairie, AB T8V 7S6

Contact Us

Clinic Hours

  • Monday (Alternating): 9:00 AM 3:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:00 AM 7:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed

Our Brands

Most of the frames we offer are European-made, giving you a unique and stylish alternative to typical U.S.-based options.

Our Blog

Why Does It Feel Like Something Is in My Eye?

Dry EyeDry Eye TherapyEye Health

One of the most common culprits is dry eye disease—a chronic condition where your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears to keep the surface properly lubricated. While dry eye is often to blame, that gritty, scratchy feeling can also stem from other issues like allergies, corneal abrasions, or inflammation. […]

Read More…

August 13, 2025
Dr. Shonah Finlay

How Long Are Glasses Prescriptions Good For?

Eye HealthFrames & Lenses

Glasses prescriptions are generally valid for one to two years. […]

Read More…

July 3, 2025
Dr. Shonah Finlay

How to Tell if Your Sunglasses Are Polarized

Frames & LensesSunglasses

Whether your goal is to cut through glare, reduce discomfort on bright days, or simply verify what you already own, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about identifying polarized lenses. […]

Read More…

June 12, 2025
Dr. Shonah Finlay
Close-up of a person gently touching their eye with a look of discomfort, suggesting the sensation of something in the eye.

One of the most common culprits is dry eye disease—a chronic condition where your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears to keep the surface properly lubricated. While dry eye is often to blame, that gritty, scratchy feeling can also stem from other issues like allergies, corneal abrasions, or inflammation. […]

Read More…

A close up photo of hands selecting glasses from a display shelf.

Glasses prescriptions are generally valid for one to two years. […]

Read More…

A person fishing on a lake wearing polarized sunglasses to cut down on the glare of the water.

Whether your goal is to cut through glare, reduce discomfort on bright days, or simply verify what you already own, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about identifying polarized lenses. […]

Read More…

instagram facebook facebook2 pinterest twitter google-plus google linkedin2 yelp youtube Tiktok phone location calendar share2 link star-full star star-half chevron-right chevron-left chevron-down chevron-up envelope fax