2026-02-21
As parents, we schedule dentist appointments, keep vaccinations up to date, and make sure our kids eat their vegetables. But how often do we think about their eyes? FYI — Okotoks optometrists see far too many children whose vision problems could have been caught years earlier with a simple eye exam. Good eyecare starts young, and it doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.
When Should Kids Have Their First Eye Exam?
The Alberta Association of Optometrists recommends a first eye exam between six and nine months of age, another at age two to three, and then annually once school starts. That might sound like a lot, but early exams are quick and painless — and they catch problems during the window when treatment is most effective.
Children's eyes develop rapidly in the first few years. The optometrist checks how well the eyes track together, whether the iris in each eye responds properly to light, and whether there's any sign of amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (crossed eyes). These conditions are far easier to correct when caught before age seven. After that, the brain becomes less adaptable and treatment outcomes decline.
The Myopia Problem — And What Okotoks Parents Can Do
Myopia — nearsightedness — is rising fast in children worldwide, and Okotoks is no exception. Research suggests that increased screen time and less outdoor play are the primary drivers. A child who spends most of their day focused on close-up screens and books doesn't give their eyes enough opportunity to focus at distance, which can accelerate the eyeball's growth and worsen myopia over time.
The good news: myopia management has come a long way. Specialty lenses, specific types of contact lenses, and behavioural changes (more outdoor time, screen breaks) can slow progression significantly. If your child's prescription has been getting stronger every year, it's worth asking about myopia control at their next exam.
FYI, Okotoks children who spend at least 90 minutes outdoors daily have been shown to have lower rates of myopia development. It's one of the simplest and most effective things a parent can do — and in a town with as many parks and trails as Okotoks, there's no shortage of places to play.
Choosing Glasses Your Kids Will Actually Wear
Getting a prescription is one thing. Getting your child to keep their glasses on is another challenge entirely. The key is letting them have a say in the process. When kids pick frames they genuinely like, they're far more likely to wear them consistently.
Here's what to look for in children's frames:
- Durability: Kids are rough on everything. Look for flexible hinges, scratch-resistant coatings, and materials that can take a beating.
- Proper fit: Frames should sit snugly without pinching. The eyes should be centred in the lenses, not peeking over the top. A good optician will adjust the fit on the spot.
- Lightweight materials: Heavy frames slide down small noses. Lighter specs are more comfortable for all-day wear.
- A backup pair: Kids lose things. Having a spare saves you from emergency trips and means your child is never without clear vision.
This is where our 3-for-1 deal is a real spec saver for families. Three complete pairs — their everyday glasses, a sporty pair for the playground, and a spare for the backpack — all at a price that's easier on the family budget than a single designer pair elsewhere. Families looking to save on specs without compromising quality find it's the best value in Okotoks.
Eye Care at Every Age
Family eyecare doesn't stop when the kids grow up. Every stage of life brings different vision needs:
| Age Group | Key Concerns | Recommended Exam Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (6-12 months) | Eye alignment, iris response, focusing ability | First exam by 12 months |
| Children (3-18) | Myopia, learning-related vision problems, screen strain | Annually |
| Adults (19-39) | Digital eye strain, prescription changes, UV damage | Every 1-2 years |
| Adults (40-64) | Presbyopia, early cataracts, glaucoma screening | Every 1-2 years |
| Seniors (65+) | Cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, dry eyes | Annually |
For adults over 40, the most common change is presbyopia — the gradual loss of near-focus ability that makes reading menus and phone screens increasingly frustrating. Progressive lenses are the modern solution, giving you clear vision at every distance without the visible line of old-fashioned bifocals.
Protecting Your Family's Eyes from UV
Alberta averages well over 300 sunny days a year, and UV radiation is stronger at our elevation. That's great for outdoor activities but hard on unprotected eyes. Prolonged UV exposure contributes to cataracts, macular degeneration, and even sunburn on the surface of the eye (called photokeratitis).
UV-A light — wavelengths in the 315 to 400 nanometre range, including the 360 nm band — passes through clouds and reflects off snow, water, and pavement. Your eyes are exposed even on overcast days. Good sunglasses that block 100% of UV are one of the simplest investments you can make in your family's long-term eye health. For kids especially, UV protection matters — their eyes let in more UV light than adult eyes because the internal lens hasn't fully matured.
Why Okotoks Families Choose Fantastic Glasses
Finding the right eyecare provider for your whole family means finding someone who's patient with squirming toddlers, honest with teenagers about what frames actually suit them, and thorough with adults who haven't had an exam in years. That's what we do every day at Fantastic Glasses.
- Essilor R800 eye test — fast, accurate, and free with every eyewear purchase
- 3-for-1 deal — the biggest spec-saving offer in Okotoks, perfect for families
- Frames from $199 — quality styles for every age and budget
- Direct insurance billing — we handle the paperwork so you don't have to
- Locally owned — we're part of the Okotoks community, not a chain
Your family deserves eyecare that's personal, thorough, and affordable. Book your family's eye exams online or call (587) 997-3937. We'd love to see you at Fantastic Glasses.