From babyhood to the teenage years, children grow and change at lightning speed – and their vision develops right alongside them. Clear sight is crucial for learning, play, coordination and overall well-being, yet eye health often slips under the radar. While most parents are diligent about dentist check-ups or buying new shoes as little feet grow, eye exams are easier to overlook.
With school vision screening patchy across the US, this can leave gaps in care. In fact, a new survey by VSP Vision Care and YouGov found that just over half (50.1%) of parents in the U.S. overlooked a back-to-school eye exam for their school-age children.
This guide walks you through when, why and how to book eye exams for your child, giving you the peace of mind that their vision is cared for at every stage.
Why eye exams for children matter
Routine checks are much more than a formality. While serious conditions are rare, early detection makes all the difference, ensuring treatment or support begins swiftly. In fact, an eye exam can reveal far more than vision problems alone – from early signs of diabetes to serious conditions such as brain tumors.
According to the American Optometric Association, one in every four children in the US has a vision disorder that requires diagnosis and treatment by an eye doctor – yet most may never see one.
One of the biggest challenges with children’s eye health is that many kids don’t realize anything is wrong. They have no point of comparison, so they assume everyone else sees the world the same way they do.
This can lead to misunderstandings. A child who struggles to see the board, for example, may appear disengaged, disruptive or even “copying” from a neighbor’s work, when, in fact, they simply can’t see clearly.
Without timely testing, problems can quietly affect a child’s education, confidence and quality of life. Since children often don’t articulate their symptoms, parents and teachers should watch for signs such as:
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Squinting at books, screens, or the board
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Frequent eye rubbing or red eyes
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Headaches, especially in the afternoon
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Unusual blinking or looking away from a screen with exaggerated blinks
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Difficulty with hand-eye coordination or bumping into things.
Common issues like nearsightedness can make reading the board a struggle, farsightedness can make handwriting and reading uncomfortable and a “lazy eye” may affect coordination. The good news is that many of these conditions can be corrected easily with eyeglasses or other treatments.
When should children have eye exams?
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends:
First eye exam
Children should have their first comprehensive eye exam between 6-12 months of age.
Early childhood (ages 3-5)
At least one full exam is recommended during this stage to check for early signs of vision issues, such as amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (eye turn).
Before school (around age 5-6)
Children should have an eye exam before starting first grade to ensure they are ready for the demands of reading, writing and classroom learning.
School years (ages 6-17)
From ages 6 through 17, children should have an annual eye exam to monitor for changes that could impact learning or sports performance. Learn more about ways to correct vision in When Should Kids Start Wearing Contact Lenses?
What do eye exams examine?
When your child has an eye test, expect these key checks:
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Visual acuity (using age-appropriate charts or engaging symbols)
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Eye alignment and movement, tracking across eight directions
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Depth perception exams for older children
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Screening for conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (squint) or refractive errors.
Accessing care: age of free eye exams for children
Are eye exams free for children? If you don’t have a vision plan or worry about the cost of eyeglasses, help may still be available. Start by checking with your child’s school nurse – many schools, especially in larger cities and underserved communities, run programs that provide free eye exams and glasses for students.
In addition, a number of private initiatives offer support to families on low incomes. Civic organizations such as Lions Clubs International, as well as programs like VSP Eyes of Hope can provide free or discounted eyeglasses to ensure every child has the clear vision they need to learn and thrive.
Preparing for an eye test: what to expect
If you’re feeling nervous about taking your little one for an eye exam, rest assured: the whole experience is designed to be gentle, child-friendly and reassuring.
For younger children who can’t yet read, optometrists often turn the exams into games, using symbols, pictures or objects to make it feel more like play than a medical exam. Simple checks –
– like shining a light to see how the pupils respond or looking at the red reflex – are completely pain-free. And the appointment itself usually takes no more than 30 minutes. Parents are always welcome to stay with their child throughout, helping to make the experience feel safe and relaxed.
Regular eye exams aren’t just about checking vision in the moment – they’re an important way to monitor how a child’s eyes develop as they grow. Clear vision supports learning, confidence and social development, and ongoing visits also help children get used to the process.
The more often an optometrist sees your child, the more familiar they become with what’s normal for them, meaning they can spot issues such as myopia (nearsightedness) at the earliest stage, when treatment is most effective.
Seeing clearly into the future
Early eye care is about more than sharp vision – it supports learning, coordination and confidence. Every child deserves the clearest possible view of the world, and regular check-ups ensure you’re giving them exactly that. When your child is ready, daysoft is here to help you choose the right eye-care path for them.
