Children’s exams · $0 with OHIP · yearly to age 19
A child who has never seen clearly thinks everyone sees this way. That's why exams are scheduled by age, not by complaint, and why OHIP pays for one every year until they're 20.
The screening truth
A passed school screening is not a clean bill of eye health. Screenings mostly test distance sight on a chart across a room. They often miss farsightedness, eye-teaming and focusing problems, and one strong eye covering for a weak one. Those are the issues that show up as “doesn’t like reading” long before they show up as blurry vision.
At the exam
Kids don’t need to know their letters. We use pictures, lights and games, and we explain each machine before it comes near them.
Picture and shape charts measure sharpness for kids who can’t read yet.
We check how the eyes aim and work together up close, where reading trouble starts.
Retinal photos and a light check of the back of the eye. Drops only if needed, and we tell you first.
What we found, in plain words, and whether glasses or a recheck makes sense.
Myopia management
Nearsightedness usually climbs through the school years because the eye itself is growing too long. Higher myopia in adulthood carries real, if modest, lifetime risks for retinal problems. Three approaches have solid trial evidence for slowing that growth. None of them reverse it.
about $780 / year, lenses + reviews
Daily disposable lenses a child wears like normal contacts. Their optics are designed to slow the eye’s growth.
Evidence The strongest trial evidence of the three. Multi-year studies show progression slowed by roughly 40 to 60% on average. “Average” matters: each child responds differently.
$1,100 first year · about $400 / year after
Rigid lenses worn during sleep gently reshape the cornea, so the child sees clearly all day with nothing in their eyes.
Evidence Well studied, with results similar to dual-focus lenses. The trade-offs are cost, a careful hygiene routine, and a small but real infection risk we’ll talk through plainly.
about $35 / month at the pharmacy + monitoring
A nightly drop prescribed alongside regular glasses or contacts.
Evidence Good evidence for slowing progression, with ongoing research on the best strength. Often the choice for younger kids, or alongside another method. Some children notice light sensitivity.
Our position, in writing
Myopia management slows progression. It does not reverse it, and it is not mandatory. We measure axial length (the eye’s actual growth) at the start and every six months, and we only recommend a program when the trend justifies it. For a slow progressor, well-fitted single-vision glasses and more daylight time outdoors are still a legitimate plan, and we’ll say exactly that, for free, instead of enrolling everyone.
The program is led by Dr. Ethan Roy, OD. Baseline axial-length measurement is part of any myopia consult. Ask for one at your child’s regular exam.
Next available this week
Bring their health card; the exam costs you nothing until age 20. If myopia management ever becomes worth discussing, you'll see the growth numbers before you see a recommendation.