Pediatric Eye Exams

Why pediatric eye exams matter

Vision drives learning, reading, sports, and day-to-day confidence. Routine pediatric exams help catch issues that aren’t always obvious—so kids can thrive at school and play. We evaluate how well your child sees, how their eyes work together, and overall eye health.

Check vision, focusing, and eye teaming for classroom success.
Screen for common conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (eye turn).
Guide options for nearsightedness (myopia) control when appropriate.

Recommended exam schedule

Infants: first exam around 6–12 months
Preschool (ages 3–5): at least one comprehensive exam
School-age: annually, or as advised by your eye doctor

What to expect at a pediatric exam

We tailor each visit to your child’s age and attention span. Most kids find the appointment simple—and many think it’s fun!

Age-appropriate vision testing (pictures/letters) and depth perception checks
Refraction to determine if glasses are needed
Eye teaming, tracking, and focusing evaluation
External and internal eye health assessment; dilation as needed

Signs your child may need an exam sooner

Squinting, eye rubbing, or closing one eye
Headaches, eye strain, or holding screens/books very close
Difficulty reading, skipping lines, or losing place
Frequent tearing, redness, or sensitivity to light
Noticing an eye turn or poor depth perception

Common pediatric vision conditions

Amblyopia (“lazy eye”)

Reduced vision in one eye from early mismatch in focusing or alignment. Early detection improves outcomes with glasses, patching, or other therapies.

Strabismus (eye turn)

Eyes that don’t align perfectly can affect depth perception and comfort. Treatment may include glasses, prism, vision therapy, or referral when needed.

Myopia (nearsightedness)

Progressive nearsightedness often appears in school-age years. Options like specialty soft lenses (e.g., MiSight^®), ortho-k, or lifestyle guidance may help slow progression.

Focusing & tracking issues

Inefficient focusing or tracking can cause fatigue and reading struggles. We assess how the eyes work together and outline age-appropriate solutions.

How to prepare

Bring current glasses and any previous prescriptions.
Have a list of symptoms, classroom observations, or teacher notes.
If your child uses screens heavily, note comfort issues (burning, headaches, frequent breaks).

After the exam

We’ll review results with you, explain whether glasses are recommended, and discuss next steps for monitoring or treatment.

Schedule Pediatric Exam New Patient Forms

CTAs can point to your scheduling/forms pages.

Frequently asked questions

Most visits take 30–45 minutes, depending on age, testing, and whether dilation is recommended.

Sometimes—dilation lets us fully examine internal eye health and refine the prescription when needed. We’ll discuss benefits at the visit.

Yes—options may include MiSight^® soft lenses, orthokeratology (ortho-k), or lifestyle strategies. We’ll recommend an age-appropriate plan.

Ready to book?

Schedule Appointment 503-581-5287