Pediatric Vision Tests at Prairie Eye Care
Children’s vision shapes how they learn, play, and grow, so we start early. At Prairie Eye Care, infants as young as six months can receive a full pediatric eye exam with no out-of-pocket cost through Manitoba Health. With child-friendly tools and an approach that feels calm, comfortable, and confident, we help set the foundation for healthy vision that lasts.
Caring for Kids, Then Grandkids One Appointment at a Time
Our pediatric eye exams are often booked through referrals from Winnipeg pediatricians and family doctors. Many parents bring us their children, and years later, those children bring their own kids. We embrace generational care and the relationships that come with it.
When Should Your Child Have an Exam?
We follow the Canadian Association of Optometrists’ schedule:
- First eye exam between 6–9 months (or earlier if concerns arise)
- Second exam between ages 2–5
- Annual exams starting at school age
Vision develops rapidly, and issues such as amblyopia (lazy eye), focusing or movement problems, and alignment issues are most treatable when caught early. Manitoba Health covers children’s exams up to age 18, including 18 year olds as well, making early care both important and accessible.
What a Pediatric Exam Includes
Our pediatric optometrists use playful, age-appropriate tests to make every visit stress-free:
- Visual acuity using picture charts or games—even before letter recognition
- Eye movement, coordination, and tracking through engaging tests
- Binocular vision and depth perception checks
- Eye health evaluation, sometimes using dilation for a complete view of the back of the eye.
We can evaluate without words, so even infants and non-verbal children can be thoroughly and gently assessed.
Early Detection Makes a Difference
A full pediatric eye exam gives more than vision clarity. We can uncover concerns like refractive errors, strabismus (eye turns), amblyopia, or even early signs of serious conditions like cataracts or diabetes—often much earlier than parents or teachers notice. And because 80% of learning is visual, correcting these issues early can improve not just eyesight but school performance.
Pediatric Eye Exams That Fit Your Family’s Routine
All four of our Winnipeg locations offer pediatric eye exams with direct billing, family-friendly scheduling, and personalized care. If your child is due for a checkup or you’re worried about their vision, reach out. We’re here to help them see clearly.
