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A Parent's Guide to Pediatric Eye Exams
You’re probably familiar with taking your child to the pediatrician for routine checkups—but eye exams are just as important when it comes to supporting their overall health and development. If you’ve ever wondered when your child should have their first eye exam or why early eye care matters, you’re not alone.
From the moment a child is born, their vision begins to grow and change. Some vision issues can be difficult to detect without a thorough exam, even though they may affect how a child learns, plays, and interacts. That’s why early eye care is so critical. In this guide, we’ll explain when to schedule pediatric eye exams and what to expect during a visit to The EyeDoctors Optometrists—so you can feel confident taking the next step in your child’s eye health journey.
Why Comprehensive Eye Exams Are More Valuable Than Screenings
Many children receive quick vision checks at school or during routine pediatric visits, but these screenings aren’t as thorough as a comprehensive eye exam. While they can catch noticeable vision problems, they often miss more subtle issues that may still impact your child’s sight, learning, or visual development. That’s why major organizations like The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommend full eye exams at several key stages:
At birth and again between six and 12 months of age
Between the ages of three and five
When first entering school and then every year or two
Even if your child seems to see well or passes a basic screening, it’s still important to schedule a full pediatric eye exam. Studies show that up to 60% of children with vision problems aren’t identified through screenings alone. If your child struggles with focus, frequently rubs their eyes, avoids close-up tasks, or has a family history of eye conditions, don’t wait. The American Optometric Association recommends a comprehensive exam between ages 3 and 5 to help catch any concerns early—before they interfere with everyday life.
What to Expect During a Pediatric Eye Exam
Pediatric eye exams are designed to meet your child’s specific needs based on their age and development. From infancy through the teen years, each exam is focused on early detection, healthy vision milestones, and setting the stage for lifelong visual success.
Eye Examination for Infants
For babies, eye exams are calm, engaging, and focused on observing visual responses. Your eye doctor will use lights, movement, and toys to check for early visual development. During this visit, the optometrist will look for:
Proper eye movement
Signs of developing nearsightedness (trouble seeing well at distance) or farsightedness (trouble seeing well at close range)
Signs of the cornea (the clear dome at the front of the eye) developing an irregular shape
Ability to focus at different distances
Problems at the back of the eye by testing your child's red reflex. This reflex occurs when light passes through the pupil and is reflected off the back of the eye; it's what causes "red eyes" in pictures taken with a flash.
Eye Examination for Young Children (Ages 3-5)
At this stage, children can usually participate more directly in the exam. Since many are not yet reading, the doctor may use visual tests that include directional E charts or picture symbols like stars and apples. Other parts of the exam may include:
Color vision
Depth perception
Crossed eyes
A lazy eye. This can be successfully treated, especially when caught early.
Eye Examination for School-Aged Children (Ages 6-12)
Children in this age group typically complete standard vision assessments using letter charts and near-vision tasks. These exams help identify common refractive errors and ensure children can see clearly in the classroom and during activities. If your child already wears glasses, the doctor will check for any prescription changes.
The exam also includes assessments of how the eyes move and work together, how well they stay aligned, and whether the internal structures of the eye are developing normally. Light-based instruments and visual tracking exercises help confirm healthy visual coordination.
Eye Examination for Teens (Ages 13-17)
Teenagers may experience vision shifts during growth spurts, and with increased screen time and school demands, symptoms like eye fatigue or blurriness can become more common. During a teen eye exam, your doctor will perform a full visual checkup—including a refraction test to determine any prescription needs.
For teens interested in contact lenses, the optometrist will evaluate eye shape, tear production, and overall eye health to find the best lens type. They’ll also provide guidance on care, hygiene, and whether single use or monthly lenses make the most sense for your teen’s routine.
If your family has a history of eye disease or your teen is experiencing unusual symptoms, the doctor may also examine the optic nerve and retina. These yearly exams help teens stay on top of their visual health during a time of rapid change.
What You'll Learn from a Pediatric Eye Exam
A children’s eye exam is more than just a vision test—it’s a vital part of supporting healthy growth and development. Here’s what parents can expect to gain from this important check-up:
Insights on Visual Development
A pediatric exam helps determine if your child’s vision is on track for their age. Your optometrist will check for refractive issues like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism. If corrective lenses are needed, your doctor will walk you through the best options based on your child’s lifestyle and ability to manage glasses or contacts.
Identifying Eye Conditions Early
Many vision problems in children don’t show obvious symptoms early on. Eye exams are essential for catching concerns like amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (eye misalignment) before they interfere with learning or development. The sooner these issues are diagnosed, the better the outcome.
Evaluation into Visual Skills
Beyond clarity, your child’s eye exam will include assessments of how their eyes work as a team. Skills like depth perception, eye tracking, and focusing are key for reading, sports, and coordination. If there are any difficulties, your optometrist might recommend exercises or vision therapy to strengthen these visual abilities.
Practical Tips for Everyday Eye Care
During your child’s visit, your optometrist will also provide helpful recommendations for maintaining good eye health at home. These may include advice on screen time habits, setting up ideal lighting for homework, and ensuring your child wears protective eyewear during sports or outdoor activities.
Long-Term Vision Monitoring
Because children’s eyes continue to develop as they grow, routine exams are an important part of long-term care. Each visit allows your optometrist to monitor any changes, make adjustments, and plan future appointments. With regular follow-up, you can feel confident that your child’s vision is being supported at every stage.
Why Pediatric Eye Exams Are Essential
Pediatric eye exams are important for evaluating whether your child needs glasses or if they have any eye health issues that need addressing. If the eye doctor thinks additional visits are needed, they will let you know and explain any next steps. In many cases, however, you'll simply schedule the next eye examination check-up. Hopefully, this will put your child on good footing for a lifetime of productive eye visits and good eye health.
Schedule a Kid’s Eye Exam Today
The EyeDoctors Optometrists is staffed with doctors ready to support your child’s vision with a comprehensive kid’s eye exam. We even have specialists in vision therapy in a few locations! Find a location near you and schedule an appointment today.