Pediatric Eye Exams in Lakeport

Children may not realize they have a vision problem because they don’t know what “normal” vision looks like. Regular eye exams are important to address any issues and ensure children’s eyes are healthy and developing normally.

At Konocti View Optometry, we offer pediatric eye exams in Lake County for children of all ages, from infants as young as 6 months to teens. We’re the only eye care practice in the area that sees kids at every stage of development, ensuring your child receives consistent, comprehensive care as they grow. 

During a pediatric eye exam, our eye doctor will assess your child’s vision and eye health. She will look for common eye conditions such as myopia (nearsightedness), amblyopia (lazy eyes), and strabismus (crossed eyes) and recommend treatment if any issues are detected.

When should my child have an eye exam? 

Many parents are surprised to learn that children’s eye exams should start in infancy, long before a child can read an eye chart. The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends the following exam schedule for children¹: 

• 6–12 months: A child’s first eye exam should take place during infancy. This is when we check for early signs of eye health issues and make sure the eyes are developing properly. 
• Ages 3–5: A preschool exam ensures your child’s vision is ready to support learning before they start school. 
• Ages 6–17: Once your child starts school, we recommend your child sees our eye doctor once a year. Vision changes quickly during the school years, and many children won’t speak up about trouble seeing. 

Even if your child passes a school vision screening, it’s important to know that these screenings only test basic distance vision. They don’t check for eye teaming, focusing problems, or other conditions that can affect learning. A comprehensive eye exam with our optometrist is the only way to get the full picture of their eye health. 

Signs your child may have a vision problem 

Since children often don’t know what clear vision should look like, they may not tell you when something is wrong. Watch for these common signs that it may be time for an eye exam: 

• Sitting very close to the TV or holding books/tablets too close to their face 
• Squinting or tilting their head to see better 
• Frequent eye rubbing, even when not tired 
• One eye that turns in, out, up, or down 
• Covering or closing one eye to read or watch TV 
• Complaints of headaches or eye strain, especially after reading or screen time 
• Avoiding reading, homework, or other close-up activities 
• Losing their place while reading or using a finger to track words 
• Sensitivity to light 

If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait for the next scheduled exam. Give us a call and we’ll get your child in to see us.