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Pediatric Eye Exams: A Guide for Parents
Regular pediatric checkups are part of most parents’ routines—but eye exams are just as vital to your child’s health and development. If you’ve ever wondered when your child should visit the eye doctor or what those early exams involve, you’re not alone.
A child’s visual system grows quickly from infancy through adolescence. Without regular eye exams, subtle vision problems can go unnoticed—yet they can impact everything from classroom learning to hand-eye coordination and social interaction. That’s why early detection and routine vision care are key. In this article, Grene Vision Group will walk you through when to schedule pediatric eye exams and what you and your child can expect during a visit. With a proactive approach to vision care, you can help support your child’s success at every stage.
Why Comprehensive Eye Exams Are More Valuable Than Screenings
Many children receive quick vision checks during school or regular pediatric visits—but these screenings aren’t as in-depth as a comprehensive eye exam. While they can catch some common vision concerns, they often miss more subtle issues that could still impact your child’s ability to learn, concentrate, or track objects effectively. That’s why leading organizations like The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommend scheduling complete eye exams at key stages of a child’s development:
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 appears to see well or passes a screening, that doesn’t guarantee their vision is developing normally. In fact, studies have found that up to 60% of children with vision problems are missed by screenings alone. If your child shows signs like frequent squinting, avoiding close-up tasks, or has a family history of eye issues, don’t wait. Grene Vision Group and the American Optometric Association recommend scheduling a comprehensive exam by age 5—or sooner if symptoms are present.
What to Expect During a Pediatric Eye Exam
At Grene Vision Group, pediatric eye exams are tailored to your child’s age and stage of development. Whether your child is a newborn, a curious kindergartener, or a busy teen, each visit is designed to monitor vision growth, catch issues early, and support long-term eye health.
Eye Examination for Infants
Exams for babies are gentle, visual, and designed to hold your infant’s attention. Using lights, toys, and motion, the optometrist will observe how your baby responds to visual cues and look for healthy development. During this early visit, your doctor will check 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)
For young children, eye exams are interactive and kid-friendly. If your child isn’t reading yet, the doctor may use tumbling “E” charts or picture-based tools like animals or shapes to evaluate vision. Additional evaluations often 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)
By this age, most children can complete traditional eye tests using letters and symbols. The exam will measure both distance and near vision, check for refractive errors such as myopia or astigmatism, and determine if glasses are needed—or if an existing prescription has changed.
Your optometrist will also evaluate how the eyes work together and move across a page and will inspect internal eye structures like the retina and optic nerve to confirm everything is developing as it should.
Eye Examination for Teens (Ages 13-17)
Teenagers often experience vision changes related to growth spurts or increased screen time. The optometrist will ask about symptoms such as eye strain, fatigue, or blurry vision, and conduct a refraction test to determine whether glasses or contact lenses are needed. If your teen is exploring contact lenses, the exam will include lens fitting, tear film evaluation, and guidance on lens types (single use vs. monthly) and care habits.
For teens with a family history of eye disease—or any unusual symptoms—the doctor may also perform a more detailed check of the optic nerve and retina. Regular yearly exams are key during the teen years to help your child keep up with school, sports, and screen time demands with clear, comfortable vision.
What You’ll Learn at a Pediatric Eye Exam
A pediatric eye exam does more than check how clearly your child can see—it gives you important insights into their overall visual development and eye health. Here’s what you can expect during your child’s visit to Grene Vision Group:
Monitoring Visual Milestones
Your child’s eye doctor will evaluate whether their vision is developing appropriately for their age. This includes identifying any refractive errors, such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism. If corrective lenses are recommended, your provider will help you find comfortable, age-appropriate options that fit your child’s lifestyle and daily activities.
Early Detection of Eye Conditions
Conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (eye misalignment) can go unnoticed without a comprehensive eye exam—especially in the early stages. Catching these problems early is key to successful treatment and can help prevent long-term vision complications. Regular exams ensure that any issues are addressed before they begin to impact learning, focus, or social interaction.
Assessment of Visual Functions
In addition to testing visual clarity, your child’s exam will include an assessment of essential visual functions, such as how their eyes team up, follow movement, and perceive depth. These abilities are important for reading fluency, sports coordination, and daily life. If challenges are found, the doctor may recommend visual exercises or therapy to help strengthen those skills.
Personalized Eye Care Advice
You’ll also receive helpful recommendations to support your child’s vision at home and school. This might include advice on limiting digital screen time, setting up effective lighting for homework, or using protective eyewear during physical activity. These small habits can make a big difference in maintaining healthy eyesight over time.
Ongoing Vision Support
Since children’s eyes change as they grow, your optometrist will use each visit to track progress and adapt care as needed. Depending on your child’s specific needs and developmental stage, the doctor will recommend how often they should return for checkups to ensure they stay on track for clear, comfortable vision at every age.
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
Grene Vision Group 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.