Children's Eye Exams Specialist

Does My Child Need an Eye Exam?

If your child is entering kindergarten, a basic vision screening will be given in your pediatrician's office as a part of their physical exam. However, it is always best to have your children examined by an optometrist on an annual basis, beginning in first grade, to rule out vision problems as he or she begins school. If your child does not have any symptoms of poor eyesight and there is no family history of vision problems, your optometrist may recommend a different schedule for examination.

What Does a Children's Eye Exam Entail?

During the exam, Dr. Chang will do a physical exam of the eyes as well as a vision screening using pictures, letters, or other charts or games that test the child's ability to see form and details. Dr. Chang is testing to see if your child has any vision impairments in the form of near-sightedness, far-sightedness, astigmatism, or amblyopia. This may be done using the letter "E" or pictures such as a plane or a horse. It may be necessary to administer eye drops in order to further examine the health of the eyes including the retina. These drops may sting momentarily, but will not cause pain or other long-term discomforts.

How Do I Prepare My Child for an Eye Exam?

The most important way to prepare your child is, to be honest about the process. Let them know that the doctor will look at their eyes, ask them to name letters, pictures, or play a game with them. Inform them that the doctor may administer eye drops, and that they may sting for a second, but that the exam will be pain-free. Then, if your child is particularly nervous when he or she arrives, be sure to let Dr. Chang know so she can help put your child at ease.