Vision changes throughout childhood as kids grow and develop. Because those changes can occur quickly, regular monitoring by a pediatric optometrist is important to ensure the eyes are healthy and functioning properly.
School vision screenings or basic checks at a pediatrician’s office can be helpful, but they are not a substitute for a comprehensive pediatric eye exam. These screenings may miss vision problems, and even when they detect an issue, follow-up care with a pediatric optometrist is still recommended.
Learn how often children should have their eyes examined and what schedule is recommended for healthy visual development.
How Often Should Kids See an Eye Doctor?
The First Year
This might seem early, but your child should have their first comprehensive eye exam between 6 and 12 months of age. At this stage, their eye doctor will check that your child’s eyes are developing properly, are aligned correctly, and can work together as a team during critical periods of visual development.
After that visit, if your child’s optometrist finds no signs of vision problems, you can typically wait until your child is 3 years old before scheduling the next eye exam.
Age 3-5 Years Old
If your child was not previously diagnosed with any vision problems, you should plan to bring them in for another eye exam between the ages of 3 and 5 years old. If the eye doctor finds no signs of vision problems at that visit, you can typically wait until just before your child enters first grade to schedule the next comprehensive eye exam.
Age 5 and Older
If no vision problems are present, children should have one comprehensive eye exam before starting first grade. After that, we recommend annual pediatric eye exams to monitor visual development and ensure their prescription remains accurate if glasses or contact lenses are needed.
What to Expect During a Children’s Eye Exam
During a pediatric eye exam, our eye doctor uses child-friendly techniques and specialized instruments to evaluate your child’s vision and overall eye health. This includes checking how well each eye focuses, how the eyes work together, and whether they are properly aligned.
Our optometrist will also screen for common childhood vision conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed or misaligned eyes), along with other issues that can affect visual development and learning.
Most pediatric eye exams are quick, comfortable, and designed to keep children at ease throughout the visit. In most cases, no special preparation is needed before the appointment.
Catch Vision Problems Early for Better Learning
Kids can’t always tell you when they have a vision problem, but it can impact their ability to learn. If you notice any changes in your child’s behavior or think they may be having trouble seeing, please schedule an appointment with our office.
