Children’s Eye Health and Safety in Ontario: A Guide for Parents
Ensuring the health and safety of your child's eyes is crucial, especially in their formative years. As
parents in Ontario, specifically in areas like Port Elgin, Kincardine, and Bruce County, it's essential to be
well-informed about common eye conditions and practical safety tips. This article will provide you with a
comprehensive guide to understanding and protecting your child's vision.
When Should Parents Get Their Child's Eyes Checked?
Regular eye exams are essential for detecting and addressing vision problems early. Here’s a guide on
when to schedule eye exams for your child based on their age group:
Birth to 6 Months
Initial Assessment: They should have their eyes checked for general eye health and any congenital
issues before leaving the hospital or within the first month of life.
Tracking and Focus: Between 6 to 8 weeks, babies should begin to focus on and follow objects with their
eyes. Pediatricians often check this during routine visits.
6 Months to 1 Year
Comprehensive Eye Exam: Around 6 months, babies should have a more comprehensive eye exam. This
can detect issues like misalignment (strabismus) and other early signs of vision problems.
Developmental Milestones: Ensure your baby is reaching visual developmental milestones, such as
recognizing faces and reaching for objects.
1 Year to 3 Years
Annual Eye Exams: Schedule annual eye exams to monitor eye health and development. We
will check for common issues like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
Observation: Parents should observe for any signs of vision problems, such as squinting, eye rubbing, or
difficulty focusing.
3 Years to 5 Years
Pre-School Vision Screening: Before starting school, children should have a vision screening to ensure
they can see clearly and comfortably.
Eye Tracking and Coordination: Tests will focus on eye tracking, depth perception, and coordination,
essential for learning and playing.
5 Years to 14 Years
School-Age Vision Exams: They should have eye exams every one to two years, or as recommended
by their optometrist. Vision can change quickly during these years.
Academic Performance: Regular eye exams can help identify vision problems that might affect school
performance, such as difficulty reading or seeing the board.
Eye Safety Education: Teach children about eye safety, especially during sports and outdoor activities.
Common Eye Conditions in Children
Children can experience a variety of eye conditions that, if left untreated, can impact their overall
development. Here are some common conditions to be aware of:
Myopia (Nearsightedness): This condition causes distant objects to appear blurry while close objects are
seen clearly. It's common in school-aged children and can be detected through regular eye exams.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Opposite to myopia, hyperopia makes close objects blurry while distant
objects remain clear. This condition can be present from birth and often requires corrective lenses.
Strabismus (Crossed Eyes): This is when the eyes do not align properly, and one eye may turn in, out,
up, or down. Early detection and treatment are vital to prevent vision loss.
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): A condition where one eye does not develop proper vision, often due to
strabismus or other refractive errors. Treatment can include corrective lenses, patching the stronger
eye, or vision therapy.
Statistics show that early detection and treatment of these conditions can significantly improve a child's
vision and overall quality of life. Regular eye exams are crucial, especially during the school years.
Signs Your Child Might Have Vision Problems
Early detection of vision problems can make a significant difference. Be on the lookout for these signs:
Frequent squinting or blinking
Difficulty reading or holding books close
Complaints of headaches or eye pain
Covering one eye to see better
Difficulty tracking objects or eye misalignment
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an eye exam with one of our optometrists immediately.
Eye Safety Tips for Kids
Protecting your child's eyes from injury is just as important as managing vision conditions. Here are
some practical tips for ensuring eye safety:
Use Protective Eyewear: Ensure that your child wears protective eyewear during sports and recreational
activities. Sports like hockey, baseball, and racquet sports pose a high risk of eye injury.
Sun Protection: Sunglasses with UV protection are essential for shielding your child's eyes from harmful
ultraviolet rays. Look for labels indicating 100% UVA and UVB protection.
Safe Play Environment: Create a safe play area at home, free from sharp objects and harmful chemicals
that could cause eye injuries.
Toy Safety: Choose age-appropriate toys that are free from sharp edges and projectiles. Avoid toys with
small parts that could be a choking hazard or cause eye injury.
Screen Time Management: Limit your child's screen time and ensure they take regular breaks to reduce
eye strain. Encourage the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least
20 seconds.
Local Eye Care Services
Residents of Port Elgin, Kincardine, and Bruce County have access to a range of eye care services
dedicated to children's vision health, like Huron Shores Optometry with Dr. Robin Theil, Dr. Christina
Pym and Dr. Sarah Zammit. We would love to see you and your child for their first eye appointment and
check-up!
At Huron Shores Optometry, we are equipped with the expertise and technology to diagnose and treat
eye conditions in children, ensuring they receive the best care possible. Our team is dedicated to
ensuring your child's vision is healthy and clear, providing comprehensive eye exams and specialized
pediatric eye care services.
Why Choose Huron Shores Optometry?
At Huron Shores Optometry, we provide comprehensive eye care tailored to all members of your family.
Our friendly and professional staff in Kincardine and Port Elgin are committed to making your child’s visit
comfortable and stress-free. We use state-of-the-art technology to ensure accurate diagnoses and
effective treatments.
Book an Appointment Today!
Don’t wait until school starts to check your child’s eye health. Book an appointment with us today and
ensure your child’s vision is ready for the new school year. Visit our Kincardine or Port Elgin office or call
us to schedule an eye exam.
Your Child’s Eye Health and Safety are Paramount
By understanding common eye conditions, implementing safety tips, and utilizing local resources, you can ensure your child's vision remains healthy and protected. Remember, regular eye exams and proactive care are key to maintaining optimal eye health.
For more information and to schedule an eye exam for your child, visit Huron Shores Optometry today.
Let's keep those little eyes bright and healthy!
Contact Us
Kincardine Office: 519 396-3663 | 325 Lambton St, Kincardine, ON N2Z 2Y1 Port Elgin Office: 519 832-9191 | 656 Goderich Street, Port Elgin, ON, N0H 2C0
Remember, healthy eyes lead to a brighter future. Let’s work together to keep your child’s vision safe
and strong. 😊👓
The information below applies to all the information contained on the huronshoresoptometry.com Website.
The users of this Website agree to comply with the terms set out below.
TERMS OF USE
Huron Shores Optometry owns and operates a Website at huronshoresoptometry.com (hereinafter referred to as the “site” or
“Website”). Huron Shores Optometry® trademark except as otherwise noted on the site, which is accessible
to all users (hereinafter referred to as the “user” or “users”). Refrain from using this Website unless you
agree to comply with the conditions.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INFORMATION
Information on this Website is intended for informational purposes only and has no contractual value.
Huron Shores Optometry reserves the right to modify the content of this site. At any time, without prior notice.
Huron Shores Optometry assumes no liability for errors or omissions in the content of this Website or for
information reliability or completeness of said information.
Information published on this Website is based on marketing, statistical or commercial services or other sources
the Huron Shores Optometry considers reliable and are the sole responsibility of their authors and not of
Huron Shores Optometry. We do not assume any liability for the accuracy or completeness of said information and in
no circumstance should this information be regarded as such. Opinions and information as presented on this site
reflect our position as of the date of publication and are subject to change without notice.
UPDATING OF THE WEBSITE UNDER THE RESPONSIBILITY OF Huron Shores Optometry
Huron Shores Optometry, its employees and directors will not be liable for damages incurred as a result of the
information published on this site, for the views and advice published, expressed or implied regardless of its
nature.
Huron Shores Optometry expressly refuses any and all responsibility for the manner in which the user of the site may
use the information contained, in any decisions that may be made and in the actions that may or may not be taken
based on said information.
COPYRIGHT PROTECTION
Presentations made and contained on this site are the intellectual property of Huron Shores Optometry. Reproduction
in whole or in part of this site on any other medium in prohibited without the express permission of
Huron Shores Optometry.
User may solely use the information contained on this site for personal use. Reproduction in whole or in part of
said information on paper may only be performed for personal use. Said information is not to be copied,
distributed or transmitted to third parties nor may it be inserted in a document or other medium.
HYPERTEXT LINKS
The links to external Websites and their content shall not be prejudged and Huron Shores Optometry will in no way be
held responsible for any direct or indirect prejudice that may result from gaining access to and usage of said
sites.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Huron Shores Optometry draws the attention of the user to the fact that all communication transmitted through this
Website remains in the public domain and not the private domain. OSI cannot accept responsibility for the
security of the transmission of information.
The confidentiality and integrity of the information circulating over the internet cannot be ensured.
Huron Shores Optometry cannot accept responsibility in the case that data contained on this site is intercepted.
Huron Shores Optometry site uses cookies. These cookies are small text files saved on the hard disk of a user's
computer. These files are completely harmless and cannot contain viruses. These cookies are used to analyze
visits to the site. Huron Shores Optometry calls upon Google Analytics to help track how users use the site. The
number of visitors, path taken to access the site and length of each visit are measured. The cookies cannot, in
any way, identify the user. All data is completely anonymous and compiled solely for the purpose of improving
the site and tailoring the content to the needs of its visitors.
The person responsible for the protection of personal information is the owner of : Huron Shores Optometry
VIRUSES AND TECHNICAL GLITCHES
Huron Shores Optometry makes no representations that the content of this site is free of infections, viruses, worms,
Trojan horses and/or other codes with contaminating or destructive properties. It is the user's responsibility
to take protective measures.
Huron Shores Optometry DECLINES ALL RESPONSIBILITY IN THE EVENT OF ANY INTERRUPTION OR NON-AVAILABILITY OF THE
SERVICE
Under no circumstances shall Huron Shores Optometry be held responsible for transmission errors of any sort, such as
loss of or damage to data, or changes of any type whatsoever, including direct or indirect damage resulting from
the use of the services provided on this site.
JURISDICTION
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the province of Ontario.
Any dispute arising of this Agreement shall be brought before the court in the judicial district of
Huron Shores Optometry's head office. Address: 325 Lambton Street
Kincardine, ON
N2Z 2Y1; Tel: 519 396-3663.
PUBLISHING FIRM
Huron Shores Optometry
325 Lambton Street
Kincardine, ON
N2Z 2Y1 Tel: 519 396-3663
Acceptance of the Privacy Policy
Thank you for visiting huronshoresoptometry.com (the “Website”), provided to you by Huron Shores Optometry (“We”). We
respect the privacy of every individual who visits the Website and are sensitive to privacy
issues on the Internet. We believe it is important that you know how we deal with information
received about you.
This privacy policy (the “Privacy Policy”) explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect
the personal information of our customers and Website users ("you"), describes the types of
information we may collect from you or that you may provide to us, and our practices for
collecting, using, maintaining, protecting, and disclosing that information. The Website is for
general audiences and is not specifically targeted to or intended for use by children.
We will only use your personal information in accordance with this Privacy Policy unless
otherwise required by applicable law. We take steps to ensure that the personal information that
we collect about you is adequate, relevant, not excessive, and used for limited purposes.
Privacy laws in Canada generally define "Personal Information" as any information about an
identifiable individual, which includes information that can be used on its own or with other
information to identify, contact, or locate a single person.
By accessing or using the Website, you are accepting the practices described in this Privacy
Policy, and you are consenting to our processing of your information as set out in this Privacy
Policy. We may modify or update this Privacy Policy from time to time; if we change this Privacy
Policy in a manner that materially impacts your privacy rights, we will provide a notice to you.
Your continued use of the Website or our services after any modification to this Privacy Policy
will constitute your acceptance of such modification. However, when required by law, we will
confirm your consent to the revised Privacy Policy terms. This Privacy Policy is incorporated
into and considered a part of the Website Terms and Conditions of Use, located here
What information we collect
We collect and use several types of information from and about you, including:
Personal Information, that we can reasonably use to directly or indirectly
identify you, such as your full name, email address, telephone number and any other
identifier we may use to contact you online or offline.
Non-personal information is information that does not directly or
indirectly reveal your identity or directly relate to an identified individual, such as
demographic information, or statistical or aggregated information. Statistical or aggregated
data does not directly identify a specific person, but we may derive non-personal
statistical or aggregated data from Personal Information. For example, we may aggregate
Personal Information to calculate the percentage of users accessing a specific Website
feature.
How we collect the information
Information You Provide to Us
The information we collect directly from you may include:
Communicating with us: When you contact us about a customer service issue,
Vision Entrepreneur services or to make other inquiries, we collect the content of those
communications, as well as your full name, clinic name, email, phone number, city, province,
and any additional information that allows us to answer your request.
Information We Collect While You Interact With Us Through Cookies and Other Automatic Data
Collection Technologies
We use your information, including your Personal Information, to manage our business and to
maintain and develop commercial relationships with you. We will collect, use, and disclose such
information only to the extent that is necessary for those purposes.
We use information that we collect about you or that you provide to us, including any Personal
Information:
To provide you with information, products, or services that you request from us.
To fulfill the purposes for which you provided the information or that were described when
it was collected, or any other purpose for which you provide it.
To improve the Website, products or services, marketing, or customer relationships and
experiences.
To allow you to participate in interactive features, social media, or similar features on
the Website.
To measure or understand the effectiveness of the advertising we serve to you and others,
and to deliver relevant advertising to you.
In any other way we may describe when you provide the information.
For any other purpose with your consent.
How we share your information
We will not rent or sell your information to third parties without your consent. We only share
your data as specifically provided in this Privacy Policy.
Other Disclosures
In addition to any disclosure you may have consented to or permitted under the terms of this
Privacy Policy, we may transfer your data, including Personal Information to third parties in
the following limited circumstances:
information you expressly consent to be shared;
when relating to anonymized information (individuals cannot be identified by it);
when you decide to make the information indexable by search engines, to share or to
distribute the information to people or otherwise to make it available to the public;
to satisfy any applicable law, regulation, legal process or enforceable governmental request
within or outside your country of residence when we have a good faith belief that the law
requires it;
to enforce this Privacy Policy, the Terms, or an agreement, including investigation of
potential violations thereof;
to detect, prevent, or otherwise address fraud, security or technical issues, or protect the
operations or you;
to protect our rights, property or safety as well as yours, the public, or others;
in connection with an acquisition, merger, change in control, debt financing,
reorganization, sales of assets, bankruptcy or other change of our corporate structure or
status; or
as necessary in connection with the performance of requested services or solutions, or as
otherwise appropriate in connection with a legitimate need.
How we store and secure your information
Information Security
We are committed to protecting the confidentiality, integrity, availability and privacy of your Personal Information. We have put appropriate physical, technological and procedural security measures in place designed to help prevent your Personal Information from being lost, used, modified or accessed in an unauthorized way, or improperly disclosed. Examples of such measures include restricted access to offices, training of personnel, using passwords and well-defined internal policies and practices. We also use encryption technology and Secure Socket Layers ("SSL") in all areas of the Website where your personal account information is required.
In addition, we limit access to your Personal Information to those employees, agents, contractors and other third parties who have a business need-to-know. They will be required to process your Personal Information only on our instructions and they are subject to an obligation of confidentiality. Our service providers are required to maintain adequate security protections in place designed to help safeguard your Personal Information and are not permitted to use it for any purpose other than fulfilling services to us.
If you have any questions about securing your personal data, please contact us in accordance with the “How to Contact Us” section below.
Information Retention
We will retain your Personal Information for as long as it is needed:
to provide the products and services that you have requested;
to communicate with you about a purchase or a request you have made to us;
to manage your choices and rights you have exercised pursuant to this Privacy Policy;
to comply with our legal and regulatory obligations and to demonstrate compliance,
to resolve disputes and to enforce our rights and agreements.
We may retain non-personal information that has been sufficiently aggregated or anonymized for a longer period.
Once the retention period is over, we will dispose of your Personal Information as provided for in our internal data retention and disposal policy.
Where We Store Information
We use facilities operated by "Amazon Web Services" and located in Canada as our information storage and processing infrastructure. Our service providers can also, from time to time, store your Personal Information in accordance with purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy.
How to contact us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, you can contact us at 519 396-3663.
Cookie Policy – huronshoresoptometry.com
This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are and how we use them. You should read this Policy to
understand what type of cookies we use, the information we collect from the cookies, and how
that
information is managed. For further information on how we handle, store and keep your personal
data
secure, see our Term of use.
What are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files which are stored on the browser or hard drive of your computer or
mobile
device when you visit a webpage or application. A “session cookie” stores temporary information
that
is deleted when you close your web browser or turn off your computer or device. A “persistent
cookie” enables the site to recognize when you return to it and remains stored on your computer
until you delete it. Cookies work to make your experience browsing our site as smooth as
possible by
remembering your preferences the next time you visit the site.
What types of cookies do we use?
There are four variety of cookies which operate on our website:
Essential cookies allow you to be able to experience the full functionality
of
our site. For example, these cookies allow you to change your preferred language and enable
the
website to remember it. Without these cookies, some parts of our site may not work as they
should.
Performance cookies tell us how you use our site and help us to improve it.
For
example, these cookies count the number of visitors to our website and see how visitors move
around when they are using it. This helps us to improve the way our site works, for example,
by
ensuring that users find what they are looking for easily. The information collected by
these
cookies is anonymous.
Google Analytics are performance cookies used to track visits to
our
website and user behaviour on site. The data collected is anonymous and is used for
benchmarking purposes to monitor the performance of our site and to measure user
engagement on our site.
Social media cookies from social media sites such as
Facebook, Instagram, and
Pinterest
are used to enable social media buttons on our site to work. Social media buttons
allow
you to share content and interact with your social network. These social media
platform
may set their own cookies on your device. We do not control the settings of these
cookies so we suggest you check the social media website for more information about
their cookies and how to manage them. Our website will not collect or store any
personally identifiable information from the user. To find out how you can opt out
of
accepting these cookies, please visit the cookie policy and privacy policies of the
social media site.
Customizer cookies allow our site to remember your preferences, helping to
customize your experience on our site.
Our customizer cookie, which helps us to manage the technology and cookies which are
used across our site.
Targeting/advertising cookies are set by third party advertising partners
through our digital touchpoints to build profiles based on your interests. These cookies
enable
us to send you relevant content and advertising based on your preferences and track the
effectiveness of our ad campaigns.
Below are several advertising and targeting cookies that are used to identify
different
browsers and devices. They collect data anonymously for the purposes of ad
selection,
reporting, behavioural targeting, and cross-device advertising (i.e. associating
multiple devices together). In some instances, we may provide a hashed version of
your
email address or other information to the platform provider for such proposes. More
information can be found at the following links.
How do you change cookie preferences or block cookies?
Within your browser, you can choose whether you wish to accept cookies or not. Different browsers
make different controls available to you. Generally, your browser will offer you the choice to
accept, refuse or delete cookies at all times, or those from providers that website owners use
i.e.
third party cookies, or those from specific websites. Each browser’s website should contain
instructions on how you can do this.
If you block cookies on our website, you may be unable to access certain areas of our website and
certain functions and pages will not work in the usual way.
Changes to the Cookie Policy
We may update this Policy from time to time. If we make significant changes we will let you know
but
please regularly check this Policy to ensure you are aware of the most updated version.
This Cookie Policy was last updated on September 25, 2023.
We have successfully received your message and will get back to you as soon as possible.
An unexpected error occurred. Please try again later.
