Pediatric Eye Exams
Children often don’t know they can’t see well. A yearly exam catches focusing and eye-teaming problems early, before they get in the way of school.
A pediatric eye exam checks how well your child sees and how their eyes work together. Children rarely say they cannot see clearly, so an exam can find problems that a quick school screening may miss.
Why early exams matter
Pediatric eye exams find vision problems early. Children with undetected vision problems can struggle at school, socially and in sports. An exam can detect refractive errors, amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye misalignment) and other eye conditions.
The American Optometric Association recommends a first comprehensive eye exam at six months of age, then at age three, before starting school, and every two years after that. We examine children from six months old.
When to book
Book an exam before your child starts school, and then as we recommend after that. Book sooner if your child squints, blinks often, gets headaches, sits very close to screens, rubs their eyes often, avoids reading or struggles with reading comprehension, or has a parent who is nearsighted.
What we check
We check how clearly your child sees at distance and near, how their eyes focus and team together, and the health of each eye. We keep the visit calm and explain each step to your child as well as to you.
School exams
Good vision matters once a child starts school, because it affects reading and motor skills. Undiagnosed vision problems can cause headaches, poor reading and a short attention span. A school exam finds these problems and shows whether vision correction would help.
How to prepare
Bring any glasses your child already wears and any notes from school screenings. Try to book at a time of day when your child is usually rested.
What happens next
If your child needs glasses, we help you find a frame that fits and stays on. If we see signs of nearsightedness that is progressing, we talk you through myopia management.
Questions
At what age should my child have their first eye exam?
The American Optometric Association recommends a first comprehensive eye exam at six months of age. If you have any concern at any age, call us.
Is a school vision screening the same as an eye exam?
No. A screening checks whether a child can read a chart at a distance. An eye exam also looks at focusing, eye teaming and eye health.
General information, not a diagnosis. Your doctor will advise you at your visit.