First Glasses? A Parent’s Guide to Kids’ Eyewear in Edmonton
Everything You Need to Know from Their First Exam to Finding the Perfect Frames
“Mom, I can’t see the board!” — It’s the kind of moment that makes every parent pause. Whether it’s squinting at the TV, struggling to focus in class, or rubbing their eyes after homework, realizing your child might need glasses comes with a wave of questions: “Will they actually wear them?” “What if they break them in a week?” “How do I make sure they pick something they love?”
At Helio Optometry, we turn what can feel like an overwhelming milestone into an exciting and empowering experience—for both you and your child. From a relaxed first eye exam to finding frames that balance durability with style, we make sure your child walks out seeing clearly and feeling confident.
Here’s your guide to making it a great experience for you and your child.
Step 1: Booking Your Child’s First Eye Exam
In Alberta, eye exams for children are mostly covered by Alberta Health Care (there is usually a small co-pay) until they turn 19, which makes prioritizing their eye health an easy decision. Ideally, kids should have their first eye exam around 6-12 months, again at 3 years old, and annually after they start kindergarten.
At Helio Optometry, booking is simple. We offer online scheduling and flexible hours, making it easy to fit into your busy life and around your kids' extracurricular activities. Our optometrists are experienced in working with kids and know how to make the appointment relaxed and even fun.
What to Expect During the Exam:
A complete vision assessment to check for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, strabismus, and amblyopia.
Eye health examination using the latest technology, including Optomap Ultra-Widefield imaging when needed.
A conversation with you about any concerns you have—whether it’s vision in the classroom or time spent on devices.
If glasses are recommended or required, we’ll guide you through the next steps.
Step 2: Talking to Your Child About Getting Glasses
For some kids, the idea of wearing glasses is exciting—they can’t wait to pick out a colourful pair! For others, it might feel intimidating or even disappointing.
Here’s how to make the conversation positive:
✔️ Frame it as an upgrade: Glasses help them see clearer, play better, and read without getting tired.
✔️ Highlight role models: From superheroes to athletes, plenty of their favourite people wear glasses.
✔️ Let them take control: Kids love feeling like they have a say. Let them pick colours, styles, and patterns that they love.
At Helio, we’re experts at making kids feel excited about their new glasses. Our staff is trained to involve your child in the process, so they leave feeling proud of their new look.
Step 3: Choosing Frames—Durable, Stylish, and Kid-Approved
Kids need glasses that can keep up with their active lifestyles. That means finding frames that are:
✔️ Durable: Built to handle playground tumbles and everyday wear.
✔️ Flexible: Spring hinges and lightweight materials help prevent breakage.
✔️ Fashionable: Bright colours, fun patterns, or more understated styles—whatever makes them feel confident.
Our selection includes kid-friendly collections that blend durability with style. Plus, we focus on proper fitting so the glasses stay in place while they run, jump, and play.
Tips for Picking the Perfect Pair:
✔️ Look for flexible materials like TR-90 or rubberized frames.
✔️ Prioritize comfort: Frames should sit well on the nose without sliding.
✔️ Let them pick! If your child loves their glasses, they’re more likely to wear them.
Step 4: The Right Lenses—Clarity Meets Durability
Once the frames are picked, it’s time to talk lenses. Kids’ lenses need to be tough, safe, and functional. At Helio Optometry, we focus on:
Key Lens Features:
✔️ Impact-resistant lenses (like polycarbonate or Trivex) for safety.
✔️ Scratch-resistant coatings to protect against wear and tear.
✔️ Anti-reflective coatings to reduce glare from screens and classroom lighting.
✔️ UV protection for outdoor play.
These features not only protect the lenses but also keep your child’s vision clear and their eyes comfortable—especially in school settings with bright lights and lots of screen time. Don't worry; we include all of these key features in our lens pricing and don't believe in extensive add-ons.
Step 5: Myopia Control—Investing in Long-Term Eye Health
If your child has been diagnosed with myopia (nearsightedness) and their prescription seems to be getting stronger year after year, it might be time to consider myopia control lenses.
At Helio Optometry, we offer specialized lenses like:
MiyoSmart® — Designed with Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) technology to slow myopia progression.
Stellest® — Known for its high effectiveness in reducing the advancement of nearsightedness in children.
These lenses don’t just help your child see better today—they help protect their vision for the future by slowing the rate at which their prescription increases.
Step 6: The Adaptation Period—Kids Adjust Quickly
Worried your child will struggle to adapt to their new glasses? Don’t be. In most cases, kids adapt much faster than adults. They’re naturally adaptable, and once they notice how much clearer everything looks, they’re often excited to keep wearing their glasses.
To help the process:
Encourage them to wear glasses consistently at first.
Offer positive reinforcement.
Let them know it’s normal if things feel a little different at first.
Start with fun activities like watching TV or playing games.
If there’s any discomfort or if they’re having trouble adjusting, we’re here to help with quick tweaks or adjustments.
Why Parents in Edmonton Choose Helio Optometry for Their Kids
✔️ Kid-friendly eye exams that are thorough but relaxed.
✔️ Wide selection of durable, stylish frames.
✔️ Expertise in myopia control and children’s vision needs.
✔️ Experienced optometrists who care about making the process easy for parents and fun for kids.
Book your child’s first eye exam today, and let us help them see the world clearly—while feeling confident and excited about their new look.
At Helio Optometry, our experienced optometrists are committed to providing top-quality eye exams and personalized vision care. Whether you need new eyeglasses, specialty lenses, or expert advice from a trusted eye doctor in Edmonton, we're here to help you see clearly and comfortably. Book your appointment today and experience the difference expert optometry care can make!
Disclaimer: The content in this blog post is provided by Helio Optometry, a trusted eye care clinic in West Edmonton, and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed optometrist or eye doctor. Reading this blog does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. The information shared here is not intended to endorse or recommend specific medical treatments, nor does it guarantee any particular outcome. If you have concerns about your eye health, diabetes, or need a comprehensive eye exam, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified optometrist. Helio Optometry and its eye doctors do not assume liability for the accuracy of the information presented, nor for any errors or omissions. Use of this blog’s content is at your own risk. Always make informed decisions about your eye care by consulting with a licensed professional.
