Clear Vision for Bright Futures
Your child’s eyesight plays a key role in how they learn, grow, and connect with the world around them. At Ham’s Superior Vision Centre, we provide thorough eye exams for kids of all ages, focused on supporting their vision through every stage of development.
Whether they are reading their first book or heading into high school, we take the time to understand your child’s needs and create a plan that works for their lifestyle. Dr. McKiel uses specialized tools and child-friendly techniques to check for vision concerns that might go unnoticed in day-to-day life.
From diagnosing blurry vision to managing digital eye strain and helping kids find the right glasses or contacts, we are here to help your family see clearly and confidently. Book your child’s eye exam today and give them the clarity they need to thrive.
When Should My Child Have an Eye Exam?
We recommend booking:
- A first exam between the ages of 6 and 9 months
- A follow-up between the ages of 2 and 5
- Annual exams starting in school-age years, or sooner if your child wears glasses
Our team makes exams easy and relaxed for kids of all ages. We’ll explain each step and create a comfortable experience for you and your child.
Why Vision Matters for Learning
Vision is more than just seeing the board clearly. Children rely on their eyes for reading, tracking, focusing, and hand-eye coordination. If your child has trouble concentrating, skips lines while reading, or gets frequent headaches, their eyes could be working harder than they should.
Our kid-friendly exams look at visual acuity, eye health, and how well your child’s eyes work together. We’ll explain what we find in plain language and offer solutions that work for your child’s age, lifestyle, and comfort.
Glasses for Kids, Built to Last
If your child needs glasses, we offer a great selection of styles made just for kids. For our youngest patients, we carry Nano kids frames, flexible, durable, and designed to stand up to daily life.
We’ll help your child choose glasses that feel good, look great, and support their vision needs. Our team takes the time to make sure the fit is right and the prescription is spot-on.
For older or more active kids, contact lenses may be a great option. We’ll assess if your child is ready and provide coaching on how to wear and care for lenses safely.
Early Myopia Detection & Care
Nearsightedness, or myopia, is becoming more common among children. It often shows up during the school years and tends to progress over time.
While our clinic does not offer specialized testing, such as axial length measurement, we do offer glasses and contact lenses to help manage your child’s myopia and monitor its progression.
Regular checkups are key to protecting long-term vision. We’ll help you understand your child’s risk and recommend the most appropriate steps to support their eye health.
Screen Time & Eye Strain
We know that screens are part of everyday life, from online learning to socializing, most kids and teens are spending more time on digital devices than ever before. That can lead to symptoms like dry eye, blurry vision, and headaches.
We take these symptoms seriously. During your child’s eye exam, we’ll ask about their screen habits and look for signs of digital eye strain or early dry eye issues.
We’re here to offer solutions that fit your family’s reality, not just a lecture about screen time.
Protecting Your Child’s Eyes
Here are some helpful habits to protect your child’s eyes:
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: While doing near work, encourage your child to look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes for 20 seconds.
- Outdoor time matters: Just 5 minutes of daylight and distance viewing every hour can give their eyes a healthy reset.
- Aim for balance: Instead of cutting out screens, try building in breaks and outdoor play when possible.
Spending time outdoors has been shown to reduce the risk of developing myopia, especially in children. Giving your child’s eyes a break from close-up work can support healthy vision in the long term.
Book Your Child’s Next Eye Exam Today
At Ham’s Superior Vision Centre, we’re proud to help Thunder Bay families support their children’s health and confidence with clear, comfortable vision. Whether it’s their first exam or they’re ready for contact lenses, we’re here to help.
Contact us to schedule your child’s next eye exam today!
Fabulous Independent Eyewear from Around the World
Signature style starts here—explore independent eyewear at Ham’s. We travel the globe to find standout independent eyewear that meets our highest standards—because our patients deserve nothing less. World-class eyewear, no passport required. Ham’s brings global style straight to Thunder Bay.
Backed by 150 years of combined expertise, our opticians are here to help you find eyewear that’s as functional as it is beautiful and tailored to your lifestyle.
Our Handpicked, Independent Eyewear Brands
Two Thunder Bay Eye Clinics to Serve You
Oliver Road
We’re on Oliver Road just east of Highway 17. There’s convenient parking right out front.
- 1144 OIiver Road, Unit 1
- Thunder Bay, ON P7B 7A4
- Phone: 807-285-4790
- Email: drmckiel@shaw.ca
Hours Of Operation
Centennial Square Plaza
There’s plenty of parking in the lot we share with Family Foods in the heart of Thunder Bay.
- 124 Centennial Square
- Thunder Bay, ON P7E 1H3
- Phone: 807-623-2020
- Email: hamsoptical@tbaytel.net
Hours Of Operation
Oliver Road
Reviews
Centennial Square
Plaza Reviews
Specialty Services
Products
Our Locations
Centennial Square Plaza
- 124 Centennial Square
- Thunder Bay, ON P7E 1H3