What to Expect During a Children's Eye Exam

April 30, 2025

As parents, we pay close attention to our child’s health—from annual physicals to dental check-ups. But one area that often gets overlooked is eye health. Clear vision plays a crucial role in your child’s ability to learn, play, and interact with the world around them. At Harvey & Lewis Opticians, we believe regular children’s eye exams are essential for setting your little ones up for long-term success.Here’s a closer look at what you can expect during your child’s eye exam—so you feel prepared, and they feel comfortable.

When Should Kids Have Their First Eye Exam?

According to the American Optometric Association, children should have their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 to 12 months, followed by another at age 3, and again before starting school (around age 5 or 6). After that, annual or bi-annual exams are recommended—especially if your child wears glasses, has vision issues, or has a family history of eye conditions.

Tips to Prepare Your Child for Their First Eye Exam

Eye exams can be a new experience for children, so preparing ahead of time can help ease any nerves:

Talk about it: Explain that the eye doctor will check how well they see and that it doesn’t hurt.

Be reassuring: Let them know you’ll be with them the whole time and that the visit is quick and easy.

Schedule smart: Choose a time when your child is usually well-rested and fed to avoid crankiness.

What Happens During the Eye Exam?

Children’s eye exams are designed to be gentle, engaging, and age-appropriate. Here’s a breakdown of the typical steps:

1. Medical & Vision History

The optometrist or technician will ask about:

Birth history and developmental milestones

Family history of eye conditions (like lazy eye or strabismus)

Any complaints about vision (squinting, headaches, holding items too close)

2. Visual Acuity Testing

This checks how clearly your child sees. Depending on their age, they may be asked to:

Read letters or match shapes on a chart

Identify pictures

Respond to lights or patterns

3. Eye Alignment and Movement

The doctor will evaluate how well your child’s eyes track, focus, and work together. This helps detect issues like:

Strabismus (crossed eyes)

Amblyopia (lazy eye)

Eye muscle coordination problems

4. Depth Perception and Color Vision

These simple tests ensure your child sees in 3D and can differentiate colors—important for reading, drawing, and navigating their world.

5. Refraction Test

If needed, the doctor will determine if your child is nearsighted, farsighted, or has astigmatism using a handheld retinoscope or phoropter. Eye drops may be used to dilate the pupils for a more accurate reading.

6. Eye Health Evaluation

Using advanced technology like OCT, Optos, or visual field testing (depending on the location), the doctor will check for signs of:

Dry eye

Cataracts

Glaucoma

Retinal issues

Other eye diseases

What If My Child Needs Glasses?

No worries—our opticians are here to help. If the doctor recommends glasses, we’ll walk you through:

The right prescription lenses for their vision needs

Kid-friendly, durable frames from trusted brands like Ray-Ban, SuperFlex, and Kate Spade

Tips for helping your child feel excited to wear their new glasses

Why Harvey & Lewis?

Choosing Harvey & Lewis for your child’s eye care means choosing:

Experienced eye doctors who specialize in pediatric care

Advanced technology for accurate diagnoses

A wide selection of designer children’s frames

A family-owned practice that’s been trusted since 1890

Plus, we accept most major vision insurance plans like EyeMed, Spectera, and Superior Vision—making it easier to prioritize your child’s eye health.

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

Protecting your child’s vision is one of the best gifts you can give them. Book an appointment at any of our convenient Connecticut locations and let our team at Harvey & Lewis Opticians give your little one the clear, confident start they deserve.Call us today to get started!