Dr. Shonah Finlay Doctors Eye Care

Kids Eye Exams in Grande Prairie

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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. Eyesight is even more important for children, 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.

The Importance of Eye Examinations 

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 They 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. 

Our Location

Our Address

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

Contact Us

Clinic Hours

  • Monday: Appointment Only
  • Tuesday: 11:00 AM 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: Appointment Only
  • Sunday: Closed

Our Blog

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Eye drops are a common household item, providing quick relief for a wide range of eye problems such as dryness, allergies, and infections. For a lot of people, they get tucked in a drawer or cabinet and are forgotten about until there’s a need for them. But when was the last time you thought about […]

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If you have myopia, also known as nearsightedness, you might wonder if your children will inherit the condition. Your child will have many eye exams as they grow up, and knowing what signs and symptoms to look out for is vital to protecting their eye health. Your child’s eyesight is not something you take for […]

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Eye drops are a common household item, providing quick relief for a wide range of eye problems such as dryness, allergies, and infections. For a lot of people, they get tucked in a drawer or cabinet and are forgotten about until there’s a need for them. But when was the last time you thought about […]

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Dry eye is a common condition affecting millions of Canadians. It can leave your eyes feeling scratchy and uncomfortable and leave you searching for a way to find relief. When your eyes become too dry, it can result in blurred vision. However, dry eyes can be more than simply uncomfortable. Dry eye disease can leave […]

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