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At What Age Should a Child Get an Eye Exam? | Vision Source

Just like adults, children need to get their eyes checked. Research shows that about 25 percent of preschoolers have vision related problems.

The American Optometric Association suggests that infants receive their first eye examination at around six months old. After that, children should receive an eye exam at about three years old and again at around five or six, right before they enter kindergarten.

Once these initial examinations take place, a child who does not have eye related problems should visit his or her eye doctor every two years. However, children who do have some type of vision problem should schedule an appointment annually.

Why Early Examinations Are Important

Every child needs their basic visual skills for learning. As many of us know, learning is tough when you have to squint or move closer in order to read the chalkboard.

A visit to your eye doctor should help identify issues with the following:

  • Near vision
  • Distance vision
  • Eye teaming (binocularity) skills
  • Eye movement skills
  • Focusing skills
  • Peripheral awareness
  • Eye/hand coordination

The above are key to learning in a classroom environment. That’s why some states require children to get an eye examination before they enter school for the first time.

Scheduling the Appointment

When it’s time to make your appointment try to book the appointment when your child is awake and happy. The eye examination will vary depending on your child’s age, but it’s important to have them focused and in good spirits during the examination.

The exam generally goes through vision history, vision testing (to see if they need eyeglasses), and eye alignment. You can use our Find a Doctor tool to find a Vision Source optometrist near you.


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My annual eye exam is always an excellent experience with Dr. Danielle Dyke. The exam is always thorough, and Dr. Dyke takes the time to explain my eye health in a way I can understand. The Vision Source eye clinic is modern, clean, and the staff is very welcoming. I always feel comfortable and well-cared for at my appointment. I highly recommend Dr. Dyke and Vision Source!

Patricia G.

Dr. Schauer did an amazing job getting my eye infection cleared up. As I sat in my room waiting my turn, because I had a last minute appointment, I could hear her working with a family next door that had young kids.

Fred S.

Whenever I have had eye issues, they have made efforts to get me in asap. Which I really appreciate. I have had Dr. Aberle and Dr. Dyke and they are both excellent. Recently, I saw Dr. Aberle for a chronic eye problem in one eye & he fixed the problem. Honestly, it felt like a miracle. The office staff is also very pleasant to deal with.

Sheila S.

I've literally been a lifelong customer since 5th grade when it was Dr. Little! Dr. Schauer has taken over since Dr. Little retired. It's always a good, friendly experience with all of the staff there. I've never had a bad experience.

Bill S.

The front desk people are very nice and friendly got called in to see Wayne before my appointment time Vision Source has very friendly staff and the clinic is very clean will always be a patient to Vision Source.

Deborah C.

I was greeted by the front desk very efficiently. The person who did the first part of my history and did the testing like the little spritz in my eyes, etc, was very good. I really like my eye doctor, I feel that I get all my questions answered as well as she explains what she is seeing when she is examining my eyes.

Dolly A.

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