Eye health resource
How to Prepare Your Child for an Eye Exam
A pediatric eye exam is easier when children know what to expect. Learn how to use simple language, what history and eyewear to bring, why children do not need to know letters, and how to avoid accidentally coaching their answers.
Reviewed for accuracy by Justin Bazan, OD on .
Children usually do better at an eye exam when the visit is described simply and without making it sound like a test they have to “pass.” The goal is to learn how your child's eyes see and work, not to judge whether they give perfect answers.
Explain the Visit in Simple, Neutral Language
You might tell a younger child that the eye doctor will look at their eyes, show them pictures or letters, shine some lights, and ask which choices look clearer. Avoid promising that nothing will feel unusual, because drops or bright lights may be part of the exam when clinically useful.
It is also best not to make the visit sound frightening or unusually important. Calm, matter-of-fact language usually works better than a long warning about what could go wrong.
Your Child Does Not Need to Know Letters
Babies and young children can have meaningful eye exams before they can read. Eye doctors use age-appropriate objective measurements, lights, pictures, symbols, toys, and observation of how the eyes fixate, follow, align, and focus.
If your child knows letters, great. If not, there is nothing to practice or memorize before the visit.
Do Not Coach the “Right” Answers
During vision testing or refraction, let your child answer independently. It is tempting to whisper a letter, point to a picture, or encourage a particular lens choice, but that can make the result less reliable.
If your child is shy or unsure, the doctor can change the test or use more objective methods.
Bring the Information That Helps Us Understand the Whole Picture
Before the appointment, make a note of concerns such as squinting, an eye turn, headaches associated with visual work, distance blur, sitting close to screens, unusual head position, failed screening results, or a changing prescription.
Also bring or be ready to discuss:
- current glasses and their most recent prescription if available;
- contact lenses or contact-lens information if the child wears them;
- important birth, developmental, medical, and medication history;
- prior eye surgery, injury, or treatment; and
- significant family history of childhood eye disease, strabismus, amblyopia, high prescriptions, retinal disease, or glaucoma.
Choose a Reasonable Time of Day When You Can
A tired, hungry, or rushed child may find any appointment harder. When scheduling flexibility allows, choose a time that fits the child's usual sleep and meal routine.
That said, there is no need to delay an important eye concern just to find the “perfect” appointment time.
What If Dilating Drops Are Recommended?
Dilating drops can help the doctor obtain a more complete internal eye-health view and can temporarily relax a child's strong focusing system when a more accurate prescription measurement is needed.
The drops can sting briefly, cause light sensitivity, and blur near vision for a period afterward. We explain why dilation is useful before proceeding.
What Happens During a Pediatric Eye Exam?
Depending on age and the reason for the visit, testing may assess visual acuity or visual behavior, prescription, eye alignment and movements, focusing, binocular function, pupils, and eye health.
Many children around age 5 and older can also complete Optos wide-angle retinal imaging. Imaging often provides useful retinal documentation without routine dilation, although dilation is still recommended when clinically necessary.
After the Exam
If glasses, contact lenses, myopia management, medical follow-up, or referral is recommended, we explain what was found and why the next step matters.
For more information, see pediatric eye care at Park Slope Eye or book an appointment online.
Originally published . Substantially updated .