Did you know 1 in 4 school-age children has a vision issue that can affect learning? As a parent, keeping track of your child’s milestones includes their eyesight too. Comprehensive children’s eye exams help them learn, play, and explore the world with clear, healthy vision.
You may wonder what the right schedule for your child’s vision care looks like. A child’s eye exam schedule changes as they grow, starting between 6 to 9 months, again before they start school, and then annually throughout their school years. This timeline helps us monitor their developing eyes and address any needs as they arise.
Why Regular Eye Exams Support Your Child’s Growth & Learning
So much of learning is visual, whether it’s reading a book, seeing the board in a classroom, or engaging with digital tools. Clear and comfortable vision helps your child process information and participate fully in their education. Unlike a basic vision screening at school, a comprehensive eye exam is a thorough health check that makes sure their vision is not a barrier to their learning potential.
Children often don’t know how to explain that they have a vision problem—they may assume everyone sees the world the way they do. A comprehensive exam can identify challenges they may not be able to describe. This allows us to find a solution before it impacts their school performance or confidence.
Good vision also plays a large part in helping your child reach important developmental and visual milestones. From catching a ball to learning to write, their eyes guide their hands and body. We check that your child’s eyes are working together as a team to support all of their activities.
Your Child’s Recommended Eye Exam Schedule
The First Exam: Infants at 6 to 9 Months
We recommend bringing your baby in for their first eye exam between six and nine months old. This initial check-up is a gentle and simple way to see if their eyes are developing properly. We will check for key visual milestones in their first year while looking at eye alignment, movement, and the overall health of their eyes.
The Preschool Years: Ages 3 to 5
Your child should have at least one eye exam between the ages of three and five. This visit is important for detecting vision issues like lazy eye or misaligned eyes before they enter the school system. Addressing these concerns early can have a positive impact on their future learning.
The School Years: Ages 6 to 19
Once your child starts school, we recommend annual eye exams. The visual demands of schoolwork, reading, and screen time increase significantly during these years. Regular checks help optometrists monitor any changes and support their vision as they grow, making it important to understand how often eye exams are needed.
Signs Your Child Might Need an Eye Exam
While many vision issues have no obvious symptoms, there are some behaviours you can watch for at home. If you notice your child showing any of the following signs they may need vision support, it’s a good idea to schedule an eye exam. An appointment can help us determine what is happening with their vision.
- Frequent eye rubbing or squinting
- Sitting very close to the television or holding books close
- Losing their place while reading
- Sensitivity to light
- Complaints of headaches or tired eyes
- Difficulty with hand-eye coordination
Remember, even children with 20/20 vision can have other issues, such as amblyopia (lazy eye), related to focusing or eye teaming. A comprehensive exam looks at the complete picture of their eye health. It’s a proactive way to care for their sight, whether you’ve noticed symptoms or not.
How Eye Exams Help With Myopia Control
What Is Myopia?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common condition that causes objects in the distance to appear blurry. It often develops during childhood and can worsen as a child grows. You may notice your child struggling to see things that are far away.
When myopia progresses, it means your child’s prescription gets stronger over time. Regular eye exams help us track these changes closely. Identifying myopia early is the first step toward managing its progression effectively.
Why Early Myopia Checks Make a Difference
Catching myopia early gives us more options to help manage it. Our myopia control treatments are designed to help slow down the progression of nearsightedness. This can support your child’s vision health now and in the long term.
During an exam, we can discuss your child’s specific situation and recommend a personalized approach. We know everyone’s needs are unique, so we take the time to get to know you and provide truly personalized care. Management can involve special types of contact lenses, eye drops, or glasses.
Making Eye Exams Easy for Kids
We understand that an eye exam can seem intimidating to a child. That’s why we create a friendly and welcoming environment for our youngest visitors. We use pictures, lights, and fun activities to make the exam feel more like a game.
Our goal is to build a positive relationship with your child while we gather important information about their eye health. We check everything from their visual acuity to how their eyes work together as a team. We create a space where your child can feel comfortable and you can feel confident in their care.
If your child needs vision correction, we’ll walk you through all the options for eyewear & contacts. We have a wide selection of durable and stylish frames designed just for kids. We’ll answer all your questions and help you find a solution that works for your child and your family.
Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam at Central Optometry
Regular eye exams do more than check vision—they help children stay on track with their learning, keep up with sports and play, and build confidence as they grow. Clear, comfortable vision is an important part of their overall health and development.
Routine checkups also give parents peace of mind. Our exams look beyond basic sight tests to check how the eyes focus, work together, and stay healthy over time. Early detection means we can address any issues before they affect schoolwork or daily life.
At Central Optometry, we create a kid-friendly experience to help children feel relaxed and supported during their visit.
Book your child’s comprehensive eye exam today and give them the healthy vision they need to succeed in school and beyond.
