Pediatric Eye Examination

When Should Your Child Have a Pediatric Eye Examination?
Every child should have a dilated pediatric eye examination prior to starting kindergarten. The frequency for eye examinations is generally every 1-2 years, but can vary depending on your child's vision, and if they have any eye disorders.

What to Expect During the Examination?
Our specially trained ophthalmic technicians will start your child's examination by reviewing the family history, current health history, medication allergies, and any medications they may be taking. The technician will ask if you have noticed any eye problems. They will then check your child's vision (be sure to bring your child's glasses and/or contact lenses), eye muscle alignment, confrontation visual field, pupils, color vision and a “Fly Test” will check for depth perception. The technician will then dilate your child's eyes. In general it will take 20-30 minutes for children's eyes to dilate. Brown- eyed children will remain dilated for 24 hours, and up to 3 days for blue-eyed children. Dilating drops increase sensitivity to bright lights and diminish “up close” reading vision.

A refraction will be performed by the doctor to determine your child's best-corrected vision. Several specialized microscopes will be used to examine their eyelids, the surface, and inside of their eyes. The doctor will discuss the health of your child's eyes, and their treatment plan will be explained. Any questions you may have will be answered. A glasses prescription will be written; this will include recommendations for special lenses, tint or coatings.

One of our friendly and helpful optician's will help you select the appropriate size and style of frame for your child. Children are not just small adults! That is why Ophthalmic Associates Optical Shop is stocked with a large selection of pediatric frames for you to choose from, and they know how to fit glasses.