Vision plays a central role in how school-aged children experience the world — yet many parents don’t realize just how much it affects their learning, development, and behavior. It’s easy to assume your child would tell you if something was wrong, but the truth is, most children don’t know how “good” vision is supposed to look. That’s why regular pediatric eye exams are more than a formality — they’re essential.
At Accent on Eyes, our eye doctors provide comprehensive eye exams for children of all ages in Glassboro. Whether they’re just starting school or entering their teens, our exams are built to catch vision issues early — before they begin to affect your child’s quality of life.
Why Pediatric Eye Exams Are Important
Vision problems can show up in subtle ways. Your child may not complain about their eyes, but they might:
Avoiding Books and Reading
Children who struggle to focus may avoid reading altogether, especially if the words seem to move or blur on the page. This can impact both learning speed and reading confidence.
Trouble Focusing in the Classroom
Visual issues often present as attention difficulties. If your child has trouble following along or staying engaged during lessons, it might be because they can’t see clearly from their seat.
Squinting or Rubbing Their Eyes
These are physical signs that something may be wrong. Constant eye rubbing can indicate visual fatigue, dryness, or eye strain — all reasons to schedule an exam.
Sitting Too Close to Screens
Children often compensate for blurry vision by moving closer to the TV, tablet, or computer. This behavior could signal myopia or trouble focusing at a distance.
Headaches After School
Headaches can be a direct result of undiagnosed eye strain. If your child frequently complains of head pain after reading or using a screen, their vision could be a contributing factor.
What to Expect During a Pediatric Eye Exam
A pediatric eye exam at Accent on Eyes is designed to be relaxed and approachable. We’ll begin by talking to you and your child about their habits, behavior, and any symptoms they may have mentioned at home or school.
The exam itself will typically include:
- Visual acuity testing: How clearly your child sees at various distances.
- Eye movement and tracking: Whether the eyes work together as a team, and how they follow moving objects.
- Binocular vision and depth perception: Evaluates how well both eyes align and judge distance.
- Eye health evaluation: Using lights and lenses to check the internal and external health of the eyes.
- Refraction: If your child needs glasses, this determines their prescription.
We make the process child-friendly and keep everything age-appropriate. We understand that a calm, caring approach is key to helping children feel comfortable during the visit.
When Should Your Child Have Their First Eye Exam?
The American Optometric Association recommends that children have their first comprehensive eye exam between 6 and 12 months of age, then again at age 3, and once more before they start first grade. From there, an annual eye exam is recommended — even if no eye problems are suspected.
These early years are critical for visual development. Children’s eyes are constantly growing and changing, and an eye condition that wasn’t present one year may surface the next.
Give Your Child a Visual Advantage With Eye Exams in Glassboro
Your child’s vision affects every aspect of their life — from academic success to social confidence. At Accent on Eyes, we provide gentle, attentive eye care that supports your child at every stage. If your child is due for an eye exam or you’ve noticed signs that something might be off, book your eye care appointment to make sure they have everything they need to see clearly and comfortably.
Pediatric Eye Exam FAQs
How long does a pediatric eye exam take?
A full exam usually takes 30–45 minutes, depending on your child’s age and whether we need to dilate their pupils.
Can my child have an eye exam even if they can’t read yet?
Yes. We use child-appropriate tests like picture charts, lights, and movement tracking to assess their vision.
How often should my child get an eye exam?
Most children should have an exam every year, even if they aren’t showing symptoms.
Will my child need glasses if they fail a vision screening at school?
Not necessarily. A complete eye exam will determine the exact cause and whether glasses or another treatment is needed.
