Child eye health
Regular eye exams for your child can help find eye problems early and get the right treatment.
Children won't always tell you if they are having problems with their eyes or vision. That's why it's important to know what signs to look for and to have your child's eyes checked regularly by an optometrist.
Eye exams for children
Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers free eye exams once a year, for children 19 years or under. Learn about the eye health services covered by OHIP.
At 6 months old, your child should have their first eye exam. Between ages 2 and 5, your child should have a second eye exam. Every year, an optometrist should check your child to ensure good eye health and developmental progress.
The optometrist will complete:
- General vision testing in both eyes.
- Eye muscle testing.
- Eye coordination testing.
- A general health assessment of the front and back of the eyes.
If needed, the optometrist will write a prescription for glasses for your child.
Support for resettled refugees and refugee claimants
In Canada, The Interim Federal Health Program provides some short-term eye care coverage, including eye exams and help paying for glasses. This program is for specific groups of people who do not have provincial health care like OHIP or access to private health-care coverage.
Learn if you're eligible for the Interim Federal Health Program.
Programs to help pay for glasses
Eye See…Eye Learn
Gives free glasses to junior or senior kindergarten students after an eye exam with a participating optometrist. Check with your optometrist before your appointment to see if they participate in the program. Learn more about Eye See…Eye Learn.
Ontario Disability Support Program
If you are receiving income support from the Ontario Disability Support Program, you may be able to receive assistance with the cost of prescription glasses through the Vision Care benefit. Learn more about the Vision Care benefit.
Ontario Works
If you are an Ontario Works client, you can get help paying for vision care for yourself and your family, including prescription glasses. Learn more about Ontario Works vision care coverage.
