PEDIATRIC EYE EXAM

Q & A

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How does a pediatric exam differ from adults?

At Visionary Eye Center, a pediatric examination includes all of the comprehensive components with additional specialized tests, based on the child's age and disposition.  Your child will be evaluated in a comfortable, nonthreatening atmosphere.  The doctor will be screening for uncorrected refractive error, amblyopia, strabismus, color deficiencies, eye teaming issues, eye focusing issues, as well as congenital conditions and cataracts. 

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How often should children have an eye exam?

Children should have their first eye exam at six months of age to identify any genetic eye health problems or vision issues which may require early intervention. They should be checked again by age three years of age to ensure their eyes and vision are developing normally.  Subsequent exams should be conducted before entering first grade and every year after that, unless your doctor recommends more frequent exams.

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What advice do you have for parents of young children?

Have your child’s eyes evaluated by an eye doctor, preferably one who specializes in pediatrics.  The screeners preformed by pediatricians and schools are not adequate.  Many children can be misdiagnosed with ADHD/ADD and/or a learning deficit when all they require is a pair of glasses.  Moreover, headaches in children are more often correlated to the visual system rather than a manifestation of a neurological condition; if your child is complaining about headaches please have their eyes examined.  Your child may not know that their vision is reduced since they have no baseline to compare it too.  Their blurry view of the world is what they think is normal.  Parents must be aware and advocate for their children.