Clear vision plays a vital role in helping children succeed in school, build confidence at play, and safely discover the world around them. As parents, it’s natural to wonder when it’s the right time to schedule that first eye exam. Understanding the right age to begin can make all the difference in catching problems early.
Many vision issues in kids develop quietly without obvious symptoms, making routine exams essential. Knowing what signs to watch for empowers parents to act before learning or behavior is affected. Let’s explore how early and regular eye exams support your child’s healthy vision and overall development.
When Should Kids Have Their First Eye Exam?
At Eye Exams in Frisco and Fairview, most of our optometrists recommend starting exams at around age five. If your child knows their alphabet, they’re typically ready for a proper vision test. While Dr. Jones in our team is particularly great with younger children (even ages four to six), most exams at our practice begin at five and up.
Annual check-ups are important from that point on. Kids’ eyes change rapidly as they grow, especially during growth spurts that can alter the eye’s size and shape. Regular exams ensure that if prescription changes are needed, they're caught early—before blurry vision interferes with learning.
Signs Your Child May Need Glasses
Sometimes vision problems are easy to miss. Kids often don’t complain because they don’t realize their sight isn’t clear. Here are some common signs:
- Squinting or frequent headaches
- Sitting very close to the TV or holding books right up to their face
- Trouble seeing the board in class
- General eye fatigue or rubbing eyes often
Even if your child doesn't mention trouble seeing, subtle vision issues can lead to eye strain and tired eyes, particularly if they’re farsighted. Left uncorrected, these issues can affect reading skills, classroom participation, and even behavior.
The Limits of School Screenings and Pediatric Checks
Many parents assume that vision screenings conducted at school or the pediatrician’s office are sufficient. However, these basic checks typically involve reading letters on a chart and may miss underlying issues, such as amblyopia (lazy eye) or subtle prescription changes.
Comprehensive eye exams at Eye Exams look at much more than a simple chart test. We check overall eye health, how well the eyes work together, and identify issues early—when treatment can be most effective.
Family-Friendly Eye Care You Can Trust
Choosing an optometrist who’s good with kids is a big decision. At our Frisco clinic, many of our optometrists are parents themselves and understand how to help children feel comfortable and at ease. Dr. Jones even taught elementary school before becoming an eye doctor and is especially skilled with younger, sometimes shy or nervous patients.
We know families are busy, so we do our best to accommodate back-to-back sibling appointments when possible. Our office is designed to be welcoming, with ample parking and even Tesla charging stations for added convenience.
Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam in Frisco or Fairview, Texas
Regular eye exams help your child see clearly, learn confidently, and avoid vision problems that might go unnoticed. Whether it's their first visit or an annual check-up, Eye Exams is committed to delivering thorough, friendly care in a welcoming environment. We invite you to choose the location most convenient for you—Frisco or Fairview.
Our Frisco office is at 2601 Preston Road, Suite 2124, Frisco, TX 75034 (972-335-9529), while our Fairview location is at 120 Town Place, Fairview, TX 75069 (972-549-4255). Both locations are open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Call us today to schedule your child’s appointment and support their vision health for years to come.