Why a screening isn't enough
School and pediatrician vision screenings are helpful, but they usually only check whether a child can read letters across the room. They can miss farsightedness, astigmatism, focusing problems and eye teaming problems that make reading tiring or frustrating.
A comprehensive eye exam measures your child's prescription, checks how the eyes focus and work together, and looks at the health of the eye inside and out.
What happens at a children's eye exam
We keep the visit relaxed and age-appropriate. Your child doesn't need to know their letters, since we use pictures, shapes and lights for younger kids.
Your doctor will check visual acuity, measure the prescription, test eye alignment and focusing, and examine the front and back of the eye. Afterward we'll explain the results to you in plain language and answer your questions.
Our doctors and kids
All of our doctors are well qualified to provide great eye exams for children. We see kids for routine eye exams, glasses prescriptions and contact lenses, and we take time to make the visit comfortable for both your child and you.
If your child is nearsighted
Nearsightedness often increases each year while a child is growing. If your child's prescription keeps going up, ask us about myopia control. Options like Stellest lenses are designed to slow that change.
Bring to your child's visit
- Your child's current glasses, if any
- Your vision and medical insurance cards
- Notes on any concerns from school or home
This article is for general information and isn't a substitute for an eye exam. If you have symptoms or concerns, please contact us.