Eye exams for kids, from babies to teens
A children's eye exam checks how clearly each eye sees, how the two eyes work together and whether the eyes are healthy. A parent stays with the child.
How clearly each eye sees
How the eyes line up, follow and focus together
The health of the eyes, front to back
Whether glasses would help, and a written prescription if so
Exams by age
Choose your child's age. Your child's doctor sets the schedule, and these are the usual steps.
Babies, 6 to 12 months
We watch how your baby's eyes follow a light and a toy, and how they line up. You hold your baby the whole time, and the visit takes about 20 minutes.
A parent holds the baby
Bring a bottle or a favorite toy
Age 3
Pictures and shapes stand in for letters. We learn how clearly each eye sees and whether the eyes work as a team. The visit takes about 30 minutes.
A parent sits beside the chair
Short breaks when a child needs them
Ages 5 to 12
Letters, lens choices and a check of how the eyes focus for reading and screens. The visit takes about 40 minutes, and we choose glasses at the same visit if they are needed.
A parent in the room
Tell us what the teacher has noticed
Ages 13 to 18
A full exam, with time to ask questions. Teens help choose their frames, and those who want contact lenses can ask about a fitting. The visit takes about 45 minutes.
A parent comes along
Teens choose their own frames
A parent or guardian stays with the child at every visit.
Parents get an exam here too
While you are here, ask about an exam for yourself. Adult exams are billed the same way: a vision plan for a routine exam, medical insurance for an eye problem.
How it is billed
Which plan pays depends on why the visit happens. How fees work has the details.
A routine exam
A routine eye exam is billed to a vision plan.
A visit for an eye problem
A visit for an eye problem, or a follow-up, is billed to medical insurance.
If you pay yourself
We give you a written estimate before the visit.
What to bring
Current glasses
If your child wears glasses, bring them with their case.
Insurance cards
Your vision plan card and your medical insurance card.
What you have noticed
Anything you, a teacher or a pediatrician have seen. A short note is fine.
Something to hold
A favorite toy or book helps a small child feel at ease.
Ready to book a visit?
Send us your name and number, or call. We will find a time that fits your family's week.