Your child’s vision plays a vital role in their learning, development, and overall well-being. Regular pediatric eye exams help ensure your child can see clearly, process visual information efficiently, and avoid potential vision-related obstacles in school and daily life. At Akers Pearson Eyecare, we specialize in comprehensive pediatric eye care, helping children of all ages achieve and maintain clear, comfortable vision every day.
Why Are Pediatric Eye Exams So Important?
Children rely on their vision for nearly every aspect of learning, from reading and writing to recognizing faces and navigating their environment. However, many common childhood vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or amblyopia (lazy eye), often go unnoticed by parents and teachers. Kids may not realize they have a vision issue because they assume everyone sees the way they do.
Without early detection, vision problems can lead to difficulties in school, poor hand-eye coordination, headaches, and even behavioral issues. Routine eye exams allow our optometrists to detect and correct problems early, ensuring your child has the best possible vision for success in school and beyond.
What Happens During a Pediatric Eye Exam?
A pediatric eye exam is designed to be a comfortable, stress-free experience for both children and parents. Our skilled optometrists use age-appropriate techniques and equipment to assess vision and eye health in a fun, engaging way.
Here are some of the most commopn things you can expect during your child's eye exam at our office:
Visual Acuity – Measures how well your child can see at different distances.
Eye Alignment & Tracking – Assesses how well the eyes work together and track objects.
Depth Perception & Peripheral Vision – Ensures both eyes are functioning properly.
Refraction Test – Determines if glasses are needed to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
Eye Health Evaluation – Screens for early signs of eye conditions, infections, or developmental concerns.
Our goal is to make the exam enjoyable, using interactive tools and child-friendly explanations to help young patients feel comfortable.
When Should Your Child Have Their First Eye Exam?
The American Optometric Association recommends the following schedule for pediatric eye exams:
First exam: At 6 months old to check for early vision development.
Second exam: At 3 years old to detect common vision problems before preschool.
Before starting school: Around age 5 or 6 to ensure readiness for classroom learning.
Annual eye exams: From age 6 onward to monitor for vision changes and detect any emerging issues.
If your child has a family history of eye conditions, shows signs of vision problems (like squinting, holding books too close, or frequent headaches), or has developmental delays, more frequent exams may be necessary.
Different Eye Care Needs for Different Ages
As children grow, their visual needs change:
Infants & Toddlers (0-3 years): Focus on eye coordination, tracking, and detecting early issues like crossed eyes or congenital eye conditions.
Preschoolers (3-5 years): Screening for common refractive errors and ensuring proper visual development for learning.
School-Aged Children (6+ years): Annual exams to detect vision changes that may impact reading, screen use, and sports performance.
Common Vision Correction Solutions for Children
If your child has a vision issue, we offer various solutions to help them see clearly and comfortably, including:
Prescription Glasses: Designed for growing kids with durable, lightweight frames that fit comfortably.
Contact Lenses: A great option for older kids and teens involved in sports or those who prefer an alternative to glasses.
Our team will work with you and your child to find the best vision solution based on their needs, lifestyle, and comfort.
Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today!
A pediatric eye exam is one of the most important steps you can take to support your child’s vision and development. At Akers Pearson Eyecare, we provide gentle, comprehensive care in a kid-friendly environment. Don’t wait until vision problems affect your child’s learning—schedule an eye exam today and give your child the gift of clear sight! Call us now or book online to secure your appointment.