What to Expect at Your Child's Eye Exam: A Parent's Guide

Keeping your child's eyes healthy is just as important as making sure they eat well and get enough sleep. At our eye care practice, we believe every parent should feel confident about their child's vision care.

When Should Children Have Their First Eye Exam?

Recommended Exam Schedule

The American Optometric Association recommends your first child eye exam should be scheduled at 6 to 12 months of age. From there, your child should have another eye exam at age 3, then again before they start kindergarten. After that, annual checkups help track changes in vision and overall eye health.

Why Early Exams Matter

Young children rarely complain about vision problems because they don't know what "normal" vision should look like. Catching issues early gives your child the best chance for clear, comfortable vision and better performance in school and daily life.

What Happens During a Pediatric Eye Exam?

Step-by-Step Eye Exam Process

1. Health & History Review – We start by asking questions about your child's medical history, behavior, and any noticeable symptoms.
2. Visual Acuity Test – Using charts, pictures, or games, we assess how well your child sees at various distances.
3. Eye Alignment Check – We examine how your child's eyes work together, checking for signs of crossed eyes or lazy eye.
4. Refraction Test – This helps determine if your child is nearsighted, farsighted, or has astigmatism.
5. Eye Health Evaluation – We check the internal and external parts of the eye, looking for signs of disease or developmental concerns.

Parents are welcome to sit in during the exam and ask questions at any time.

Signs Your Child May Need Glasses

Children don't always know how to explain a vision problem, but they often show it in how they behave. Keep an eye out for:

• Squinting, especially while reading or watching TV
• Sitting too close to screens
• Frequent eye rubbing
• Complaints of headaches or tired eyes
• Difficulty concentrating in school
• Tilting the head or covering one eye

Vision and School: What Parents Should Know

Many schools offer basic vision screenings, but these aren't a replacement for a comprehensive exam. They often miss subtle but important issues like focusing problems or eye teaming difficulties.

Protect Your Child's Vision — Schedule Today

Whether it's their first appointment or an annual check-in, a pediatric eye exam is one of the best things you can do for your child's overall health. Ready to schedule? Book your child's next eye exam today!