Pediatric Eye Exams

As a parent, it is important to bring your children in for regular pediatric eye exams. You may be wondering when your child should get their first comprehensive eye exam. If you are looking for an optometrist in Bellevue, WA, Overlake EyeCare’s pediatric eye doctor will help address your child’s eye care needs.

When to Have Your First Pediatric Eye Exam

Babies can show symptoms indicating they have an eye condition that needs to be looked at by a pediatric eye doctor. This is why the American Optometric Association recommends children get their first eye exam between 6 to 12 months of age. Not all eye conditions that can affect your child are obvious, and a pediatric eye exam can help catch these issues early on. 

Continuing Pediatric Eye Care

Your children should be seen at least once for a pediatric eye exam between the ages of three and five. They need to have a comprehensive exam before they enter first grade and every year thereafter until they are 17. After 17 they go on the recommended adult eye exam schedule. 

Preparing for a Pediatric Eye Exam

When preparing for your child’s pediatric eye exam, collect your child's health records.  Make the pediatric eye doctor aware of your child’s health issues, allergies, and medications. You should also make sure the doctor knows the name and address of your child’s other doctors so they can share information. Also, have your insurance information on hand.

What the exam will look like depends a lot on the age and cooperation of your child. Your child will be checked for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and eye alignment. You may want to make your child aware of the eye drops that will be administered so the doctor to see inside their eyes. 

Optometrist in Bellevue

If you’re looking for a family eye doctor to perform a pediatric eye exam, Overlake EyeCare has you covered. To schedule a pediatric eye exam, call us at (425) 629-0496 or request an appointment online today.