Children's Eye Exams

Why Children Need Eye Exams

Children usually won't tell you when they have vision problems. They don't know something is wrong because they think everyone sees the way they do. School and doctor screenings only check distance vision, but learning requires much more than just seeing clearly.

80% of classroom learning happens through vision. That's why comprehensive eye exams are so important for children.

The American Optometric Association recommends eye exams for babies as early as 6 months old. Early treatment is essential because some conditions become harder to fix once a child's vision stops developing.

80% of what we learn in the classroom happens through vision.

Signs Your Child May Have Vision Problems

It can be hard to tell if your child has vision problems. The signs are often subtle and easy to miss. Watch for these warning signs:

• Avoids reading, coloring, or detailed tasks like puzzles

• Gets distracted easily or has trouble paying attention

• Complains of headaches, tired eyes, or feeling tired

• Is clumsy or bumps into things often

• Covers one eye or tilts their head when looking at something

• Rubs their eyes a lot or is sensitive to light

Important: Some vision problems can't be fixed with glasses alone. They may need special treatment called vision therapy. Talk to your eye doctor if you have concerns about your child's schoolwork.

Why Choose Our Office?

All of our eye doctors completed residency training after optometry school. A residency is a voluntary extra year of specialized training that most eye doctors choose not to do, which shows our doctors' commitment to providing the best care.

Our doctors trained in these specialty areas:

• Primary eye care

• Low vision rehabilitation

• Eye diseases

• Children's eye care (pediatrics)

• Binocular vision problems

This advanced training goes beyond the standard optometry education, highlighting our doctors' expertise and dedication to delivering exceptional eye care.

1 in 4 school-aged children has an undiagnosed vision disorder that may affect school performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between a vision screening and a comprehensive eye exam?

Many parents don't know these are different. A vision screening only checks about 4% of what a comprehensive exam covers. Your child might pass a school screening but still have vision problems.

Vision screenings check:

• Distance vision (like 20/20)

• Ability to follow objects

Comprehensive eye exams check:

• Distance and near vision

• Eye movement accuracy and tracking

• Glasses prescription needs

• How well eyes work together

• Overall eye health

Only doctors with extensive eye training can do comprehensive exams.

Q: How Do You Examine Young Children?

"They can't say 1 or 2... They don't know their letters yet. How do you exam a baby?"

We use different methods for young children, but we check the same things:

• Vision testing: We use age-appropriate eye charts, picture cards, or special cards for babies

• Eye coordination: We test with pictures or small toys

• Prescription measurement: We use a special light called a retinoscope instead of asking "1 or 2"

• Dilation: We often use eye drops to relax the focusing muscles for more accurate measurements

Children age 5-6 and older can usually do most tests like adults, though we watch for "playful" answers.

Our goal is to find any eye problems early, before they hurt your child's vision development or school success.

Ready to Schedule?

Schedule an appointment today. Regular eye exams help catch vision problems early, including nearsightedness and eye coordination issues that can hurt both school and sports performance.

Any child having trouble in school, especially with reading, should get a comprehensive vision exam.

Visit our page about comprehensive eye exams for more information about exams for older children and adults.

Pediatric Vision Brochure