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Peace of Mind for Parents, Clearer Vision for Kids

May 12, 2025 | 2:00 AM

One of the most common questions optometrists hear from parents is: “When should my child have their first eye exam?” The ideal time is earlier than many people think.

“We usually recommend the first eye exam around age two,” said Dr. Mark Langer of IRIS Optometrists and Opticians.

“The eyes are developing so rapidly at that stage,” he explained. “It’s important to just check all the boxes and make sure everything’s going well.”

MSP covers the cost of regular eye exams for BC residents under 19, and IRIS in Vernon doesn’t charge additional fees for these exams. “It doesn’t cost the parents a dime,” said Dr. Langer.

Children’s eyes develop rapidly in their early years—and some vision issues can be difficult or impossible to detect at home. Even a slight misalignment or imbalance between the eyes might not be evident to parents, but it can have a lasting impact on vision if left untreated.

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“There are a lot of things that parents wouldn’t be able to notice in children that young, but catching it and treating it early can profoundly impact a child’s visual development in a very positive way.”

One such condition is amblyopia (sometimes called “lazy eye”), which often occurs when one eye has a slightly blurrier image. The brain learns to rely on the stronger eye, weakening vision in the other.

The eye might be perfectly healthy, but it won’t see well for the rest of that child’s life if left untreated. “If we intervene in the first eight years of life, we could make some really easy and significant improvements,” stated Dr. Langer.

Many parents may not have started eye exams as toddlers, but modern life’s use of digital screens has added new challenges. “This is the first generation growing up with a device in their hand,” he said. “We’re seeing more and more kids become nearsighted at earlier and earlier ages.”

With any condition, the earlier you detect it, the better. Annual exams beginning at the age of two give your child the best start to a lifetime of healthy vision.

For toddlers, Dr. Langer tailors the appointment to the child’s developmental stage. “We try to make it fun for them,” he said. “I love seeing kids. They bring so much joy and energy into the clinic. I love that part of the job.”

You can connect with IRIS Vernon by calling (250) 542-2239, or book online at iris.ca.