Pediatric Eye Exams
Kids often don’t realize they have a vision problem because they think everyone sees the way they do! The American Optometric Association recommends children get a comprehensive eye exam at age 6-12 months, 3 years, 5 years, and every 2 years throughout school.
What is pediatric optometry?
1 in 4 kids have a vision problem that may interfere with learning.
Optometrist’s post-graduate education make them uniquely qualified to diagnose vision problems and eye disease, as well as to prescribe prescription glasses and contacts, or in some cases, perform vision therapy. An optometrist can test for color vision deficiency, depth perception, visual acuity and the health of your child’s eyes. They diagnose eye diseases and problems such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye), double vision, and provide pre-op and post-op surgical care.
Dr. Draper is an InfantSEE provider that has received specialized training in pediatric optometry. InfantSEE offers free comprehensive eye exams to children ages 6-12 months. Children are more responsive to treatment with early detection of eye diseases and vision problems.
How do Optometrists check your child’s vision if they are too young to talk?
Children do not have to be able to read letters to get an accurate measure of the eyes and visual system. Infants and toddlers only have to look toward lines or pictures to determine the clarity of their vision. Preschoolers match pictures or letters on a computerized chart. Stickers, flashlights and light up toys engage the child during the testing. The ability of the eyes to focus, team and track is evaluated for all school age children since these skills are vital for comfortable, successful vision at school. Most children watch a short video while the doctor determines the power of the eye and need for glasses. Eye drops are important to dilate the pupils as well as evaluate the eye health and glasses power.
Download a free eBook to get your child ready for the eye doctor!
Howard and the Amazing Eye Exam www.theeyesolution.com/kids-ebook.html
What if my child needs glasses?
If it is determined by the Optometrist that your child needs glasses, our optometrists will write a prescription for eyeglasses and our experienced and licensed opticians can explain spectacle lens options for children, the children’s eyewear warranty and how to wear and care for eyewear.
Can my child wear contact lenses?
Many young patients can begin wearing contact lenses instead of glasses by age 10 or 12, but each child is different. Children receive contact lens handling and insertion and removal (I&R) training to make sure they are comfortable with contact lenses before they leave our office.
The Optometrist will make sure the contacts are healthy for your child and provide optimal vision correction.