Children's eye doctor & pediatric eye care in Nepean
Looking for a pediatric eye doctor for your child in Ottawa's west end? Our Merivale optometrists provide gentle, thorough eye exams for kids of every age — from a baby's first check through the school years and teens. Many children's vision problems have no obvious symptoms, so we catch issues like myopia, lazy eye, and focusing difficulties early, when they're easiest to treat. Caring for Nepean families since 1987.
About
Children's Eye Care
Did you know that nearly 25% of school-age children have vision problems?
Despite yearly eye exams being covered by OHIP for children up to 19 years old, many preschool and school age children are not receiving adequate professional eye and vision care.
The earlier a vision problem is diagnosed and treated, the less negative impact it will have on a child's development. Undetected and untreated vision problems can interfere with learning, participation in sports and other childhood activities.
Pediatric eye care at our Merivale clinic
Bringing kids in for an eye exam is easiest when the trip is simple. Our Merivale clinic sits in the Emerald Plaza on Merivale Road with ample on-site parking and OC Transpo Route 80 close by, plus a welcoming space that helps children feel at ease. We've looked after west-end families here since 1987 — often several generations of the same one.
Pediatric eye exams for infants, school-age children, and teens
Our optometrists provide pediatric eye exams for children of all ages. We're equipped to examine infants and school-age children and ensure kids feel comfortable and have a great experience! Exams include patient and family history, visual acuity measurement, assessment of refractive status, evaluation of ocular motility, binocular vision and accommodative function, and ocular health examination. Optomap imaging is offered at a reduced fee for children ages 7 to 19.
What to expect at the exam.
We see many children at our clinic and often schedule entire families together. Your child will look at different pictures, letters or numbers, and may wear special glasses during tests. The optometrist will use special lights to look at their eyes. Smaller children are welcome to sit on their parent's lap, and children can watch a movie while the optometrist examines their eyes.
Signs your child may have a vision problem
Children often don't realize they aren't seeing clearly, so it helps to watch for the signs. Book an exam if you notice your child sitting very close to the TV or holding books and screens close, squinting, tilting their head or covering one eye, getting frequent headaches or rubbing their eyes, losing their place when reading or avoiding near work, or showing a turned or wandering eye. Early treatment makes a real difference, so it's always worth having their eyes checked.
Children's myopia (nearsightedness) and how we slow it
Nearsightedness is becoming more common in children, and it usually worsens as they grow. Beyond updating glasses, we offer clinically proven myopia control — options like MiSight contact lenses and MiYOSmart lenses — that can slow how quickly it progresses and protect your child's long-term eye health.
About Vision Care Merivale
Vision Care Merivale (formerly Merivale Vision Care) has been a trusted name in Ottawa eye care since 1987.
Our optometrists provide comprehensive services including eye exams, contact lens fittings, and specialized treatment for dry eye and other conditions — all with a focus on personalized, technology-driven care tailored to each patient.
Meet the optometrists behind your care
Every doctor and optician on our team brings a genuine passion for eye health. From your first visit through every follow-up, you'll see friendly, familiar faces — and when you book, we'll match you with the optometrist who's the right fit for you.
Tara Goodfellow
Dr. Kristine MacDiarmid
Sharon Leonov
Naomi Tecle
Annalycia Boutziouvis
MacKenzie Dong
Aryana Abdulaziz
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Nahama Navarette
Dr. Kristine MacDiarmid
Sarah Navarette
Frequently asked questions about
Children's Eye Care
The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends a first eye exam between 6 and 9 months of age, then annually from age 2 onward.
Yes. OHIP covers one complete eye exam per year for children 19 years of age or younger, as well as follow-up visits.
Not necessarily. Seeing the optometrist does not mean they are getting glasses. The exam helps identify any underlying vision conditions early, when they're most treatable.
Sometimes drops are required during the exam. The reasons will be discussed with parents first, and often a second visit is scheduled when drops are needed.
Yes — our optometrists across all three Ottawa clinics regularly provide pediatric eye exams, from a baby's first check at 6–9 months through the school years and the teens. We adapt each exam to your child's age to keep it comfortable and positive.
Several of our Merivale optometrists provide pediatric eye exams, including Dr. Joelle Zagury. Let us know your child's age when you book and we'll match them with the right doctor.
At our Merivale clinic, children's eye exams are available in English, French, Italian and Cantonese. Let us know your preference when booking and we'll match your child with the right team member.
Your next step is clear
Book an appointment at any of our three Ottawa locations. Your eyes are in good hands.