Pediatric Eye Exams at Family Eye Care
At Family Eye Care in North Andover, we provide quality vision and eye health care for the entire family—including babies and children. Regular pediatric eye exams are vital for detecting vision problems early, before they interfere with learning and development.
Vision screenings at a pediatrician’s office or at school are not the same as a comprehensive eye exam. Many children with vision issues pass screenings but still struggle with undiagnosed problems that can affect school performance and daily life.
When Should Children Have Eye Exams?
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6 months old – first eye exam
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3 years old – second exam
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Before kindergarten – third exam
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School-aged children – every two years if no vision correction is needed
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Children with glasses or contacts – annually or as recommended by the optometrist
What Happens During a Pediatric Eye Exam?
Exam methods depend on your child’s age, but generally include:
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Medical and vision history
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Visual acuity testing (how clearly they see)
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Determining if glasses are needed
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Eye alignment and teamwork testing
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Eye health evaluation
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Prescription for glasses, if necessary
Why Are Pediatric Eye Exams Important?
Up to 80% of what children learn is visual. Healthy eyes and clear vision are essential for school success, sports, and overall development. Exams ensure children have the visual skills they need, including:
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Clear near and distance vision
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Proper eye alignment and teamwork
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Ability to switch focus between near and far objects
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Accurate eye movement skills for reading and tracking
Signs of Vision Problems in Children
Since kids can’t always describe vision difficulties, watch for these signs:
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Frequent blinking, squinting, or unusual eye movements
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Tilting or turning the head to see
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Covering or closing one eye
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Rubbing eyes often
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Frequent headaches
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Poor hand-eye coordination or motor skills
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Leaning too close to books or screens
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Struggles with reading, learning, or handwriting