Vision services for children

Find an optometrist in your area by contacting:

BC Doctors of Optometry 

General line: (604) 737-9907
Toll-free: 1 (888) 393-2226 

Find a Doctor of Optometry - BC Doctors of Optometry

BC Medical Services Plan covers yearly vision check-ups for children under age 19. However, some optometry clinics charge extra for children's appointments.  It is a good idea to call clinics in advance to ask about extra charges and other services such as languages spoken. 

Vision problems often run in the family. If there is a family background of vision problems, please take your child to an optometrist by 3 years of age or earlier, especially if you notice any concerns.

The child should see their family health care provider or optometrist for any of these signs or symptoms:

• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Covering or closing one eye
• Red, itchy, watery eyes discharge
• Squinting or rubbing the eyes
• Excessive blinking
• Drooping upper eyelid
• Covering or closing one eye
• Tilting or holding the head in an unusual position
• Sensitivity to light
• Lack of concentration
• Holding objects too close
• Complaining of a sore head
• Avoiding activities needing distance vision
• Difficulty finding or picking up small objects
• Trouble focusing or making eye contact
• Eyes appear crossed or turned
• Difficulty following objects or people
• Avoiding books or screens
• Reading or watching screens very closely
• Poor performance in school or lack of concentration
• Bumping into things
• Lack of coordination or clumsiness in physical activities

This list is for information only. It is not meant to support diagnosis or treatment. Please see your family health care provider or optometrist for the best vision care for your child.

• Families who get financial aid can get free glasses for their children under age 19. Call 1-866-0800 for more information or visit Optical coverage - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)
• The Healthy Kids program can help families with low income cover the cost of glasses for children under age 19.  Visit Healthy Kids - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)
• First Nations Health provides glasses for Indigenous children and adults. Visit Vision Care Benefit (fnha.ca)
• The At Home program can help cover the cost of glasses for children under age 18 whose vision problems are directly related to their complex health needs. Visit Medical Benefits for Children and Teens with Complex Health Needs - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)