MYOPIA IN CHILDREN When should you be concerned?
Myopia is one of the most common vision problems in children. It results in blurred distance vision, which can make it difficult to read the board at school, recognize distant faces, or participate in certain sports. The earlier it is detected, the more it is possible to slow its progression and preserve long-term visual health.
A child who frequently squints, sits too close to screens or books, or complains of headaches may be showing signs of myopia. Since vision plays an essential role in learning and overall development, regular follow-up with an optometrist is strongly recommended.
At what age should a child have an eye exam, and how often?
Experts recommend a first eye exam at 6 months of age, another at around 3 years old, and then annual follow-ups starting at school age. This frequency allows for the detection of myopia as well as other conditions such as hyperopia, astigmatism, or eye coordination issues. A pediatric eye exam is adapted to the child’s age: the optometrist uses simple, playful tests to assess vision, eye health, and eye coordination. It is a quick, painless, and reassuring process that allows any issues affecting learning and daily comfort to be corrected quickly.
What are the signs and consequences of myopia in children?
SIGNS: Squinting to see far away • Moving closer to screens or books • Frequent headaches • Tendency to avoid sports requiring good distance vision
If left uncorrected, myopia can affect concentration at school, posture, and overall development. Regular follow-up with an optometrist helps monitor progression and adjust correction over time, preventing rapid worsening of vision.
Does the government reimburse children’s glasses?
Yes. The Quebec government’s Children’s Eyeglasses Reimbursement Program allows parents to receive a $300 reimbursement for the purchase of glasses or contact lenses for children under 18, once every two years.
To benefit from it, simply keep the receipt and submit a claim through the RAMQ website. This reimbursement covers both frames and lenses, allowing families to choose high-quality, comfortable eyewear suited to the child’s lifestyle.
See the RAMQ information page for more details by clicking here.
How do you choose the right glasses for a child?
Glasses should be lightweight, durable, and well-fitted to stay in place throughout the day, even during physical activity. Our opticians recommend frames with flexible hinges made from sturdy materials specifically designed for children, such as Faniel frames from the Légende collection, available at Les Branchés Lunetterie.
Aesthetic choice also plays an important role: glasses that children like in terms of color and style increase the likelihood that they will wear them consistently.
Where can I get my child’s eyes examined and buy glasses?
The ideal option is to consult an optometrist who works in collaboration with an optician in the same eyewear clinic. This allows for the eye exam, frame selection, and adjustments all in one place.
At Les Branchés Lunetterie, several of our locations offer this complete service: myopia screening, personalized follow-up, frame selection, and final fitting by our qualified opticians. Our goal is to ensure every child has clear vision, optimal comfort, and glasses they enjoy wearing.
Protect your child’s vision today
Regular eye exams are the best way to ensure your child sees well and develops without vision-related obstacles. Book an appointment at your nearest Les Branchés Lunetterie location and give them the comfort of clear, healthy vision.