A child's eyes do a lot of growing, and a surprising amount of learning happens through them. Up to 80% of what kids absorb in school is visual, so an exam that checks more than the big E matters. Our doctors make pediatric exams calm, patient and even a little fun, so your child actually looks forward to coming back.
What a children's exam checks for
- Clear sight, nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism that glasses can fix
- Eye teaming & focusing, how the eyes work together for reading and screens
- Eye health & development, catching issues like amblyopia (“lazy eye”) early, when they're most treatable
- Signs of strain, headaches, skipping lines, or losing place while reading
Gentle care, in English or Spanish
Nervous first-timer? So are a lot of kids, and we're good with them. We go slow, explain each step, and keep it light. Dr. Combe also sees children and families in Spanish, so the whole family can be cared for comfortably.
If your child is becoming more nearsighted each year, ask about myopia management to slow it down. For reading or focusing struggles, vision therapy may help.
Frequently asked questions
At what age should my child have their first eye exam?
Children benefit from an exam as early as 6–12 months, again around age 3, and before starting school, then yearly. Earlier if you notice squinting, eye turning, or sitting very close to screens.
Is a school vision screening enough?
No. Screenings catch some distance-vision problems but miss focusing, eye-teaming and eye-health issues. A comprehensive pediatric exam is far more thorough.
My child can't read letters yet, can they still be examined?
Absolutely. We use age-appropriate tests with shapes and pictures (and tools that don't require any response at all) to evaluate infants and toddlers.
¿Hablan español?
Sí. Dr. Combe and members of our team care for kids and families in Spanish, just let us know when you book.