Keeping your child’s eyes healthy is just as important as making sure they eat well and get enough sleep. But for many parents, the idea of a pediatric eye exam can feel unfamiliar or even overwhelming. At our eye care practice, we believe every parent should feel confident about their child’s vision care. Below, our Miamisburg eye care team at Miamisburg Vision Care discusses what to expect, when to start, and how to know if it’s time to visit a kids eye doctor.
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. Even if your baby isn’t reading books yet, early detection of conditions like lazy eye or eye misalignment is key to healthy development.
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?
Comfortable, Kid-Friendly Atmosphere
At our office, we make sure the environment is welcoming and age-appropriate. From friendly staff to colorful exam rooms, we want your child to feel relaxed and even excited about their visit.
Step-by-Step Eye Exam Process
- Health & History Review – We start by asking questions about your child’s medical history, behavior, and any noticeable symptoms.
- Visual Acuity Test – Using charts, pictures, or games, we assess how well your child sees at various distances.
- Eye Alignment Check – We examine how your child’s eyes work together, checking for signs of crossed eyes or lazy eye.
- Refraction Test – This helps determine if your child is nearsighted, farsighted, or has astigmatism.
- 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
Look for These Common Clues
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
Any of these may signal that it’s time to book a child eye exam.
Vision and School: What Parents Should Know
Why School Screenings Aren’t Enough
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.
Meeting School Requirements
Some schools require a vision screening or eye exam before a child enters kindergarten or first grade. A visit to a kids eye doctor can ensure your child is prepared and meets any state-mandated requirements.
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. Our team is trained to care for young eyes with patience, compassion, and advanced technology. We’re here to help your child see clearly and confidently at every stage.
Ready to schedule? Contact our office today to book your child’s next eye exam!
