When Should My Child Get Their First Eye Exam?

Earlier than most parents think

The general guideline: a first exam around 6–12 months, another around age 3, another before starting school, and then every year after that. Kids' eyes change fast, and the window to correct certain problems like lazy eye is short, while the visual system is still developing.

Why school screenings aren't enough

School vision screenings typically check only distance clarity, and they miss a large share of real problems: farsightedness, focusing and teaming issues, and lazy eye can all slip through. A screening is not a replacement for a comprehensive eye exam. A child can pass a screening with 20/20 distance vision and still struggle to read. A comprehensive exam checks how the eyes work together, not just what they can see. With retinal imaging, no need to dilate, we also see the inside health and look for detachments, tumors and other health issues that can be inherited. 

What we look for at each age

• Infants- Eye alignment, healthy structures, and whether the eyes are developing normally. We recommend a pediatric Optometrist for anyone younger than 7. 
• Toddlers and preschoolers- Lazy eye (amblyopia), eye turns (strabismus), and early refractive error. Our office sees patients at the age of 7 and beyond.
• School-age kids- Nearsightedness (rising fast in this age group), focusing stamina, and eye teaming for reading.
• Teens- Prescription stability, contact lens readiness, and screen-related strain.

Signs your child may be struggling

Squinting, covering one eye, tilting the head, losing their place while reading, short attention for near work, rubbing their eyes, or complaining of headaches, any of these are worth a visit. Kids rarely say "I can't see well," because to them, their vision is normal.

What the exam is like

Pediatric exams are gentle and game-like, no scary equipment, and no wrong answers. A pediatric Optometrist can tailor everything to your child's age. We work with kids 7 and up in our office so when they are the right age bring them in!