Making sure your child starts the year with healthy eyes and clear sight can support everything from reading comprehension to confidence in the classroom.
Why Your Child’s Eye Exam Matters
Did you know that 80% of learning is visual? When children can’t see the board or struggle to focus on a page, it affects their ability to learn and thrive in school.
Routine eye exams are a powerful tool for early detection. Identifying and addressing vision issues early can help prevent:
- Developmental delays
- Trouble in school
- Vision loss
- Worsening of correctable conditions
Common Vision Conditions in Children
Some of the most common eye conditions we see in children include:
- Nearsightedness (myopia) – when distant objects appear blurry
- Farsightedness – when close-up tasks like reading are difficult
- Lazy eye (amblyopia) – when one eye has reduced vision not correctable with glasses alone
Eye exams also give insight into your child’s overall health, sometimes revealing issues unrelated to vision.
When Should My Child Have an Eye Exam?
According to our doctors:
- 6-12 months old — first exam
- Ongoing — children 12 months and older should receive yearly eye exams
Summer or early fall is the perfect time for an appointment, so your child heads into the school year ready to succeed.
Signs Your Child May Need Glasses
Sometimes, signs are obvious — headaches, squinting or difficulty in school. But often, there are no symptoms at all.
That’s why we recommend a complete vision examination for all school-age children, especially if they’re struggling with reading or focus.
As a parent, it can be emotional to find out your child needed help seeing and you didn’t realize it. You’re not alone. Many parents feel guilt or concern, but the most important thing is taking the next step now.
What to Expect at a Pediatric Eye Exam
Appointments generally take about 60 minutes and include:
- Vision testing
- Eye alignment and function checks
- Overall eye health screening
- Discussion about glasses, if needed
Our compassionate doctors take the time to help each child feel at ease. From calm explanations to friendly smiles, our goal is to make both kids and parents feel comfortable and cared for.
Choosing the Right Glasses for Your Child
If your child needs glasses, you’ll find a variety of kid-friendly frames at Focused Eye Care. Our optical experts are here to guide you through:
- Proper sizing and fit
- Prescription accuracy
- Comfort and durability
- Style preferences
We believe your child should feel confident in their glasses — so let them explore and pick a pair they love.
Caring for Glasses and Eyes
- Help your child build good habits:
- Keep lenses clean with a soft cloth
- Use a glasses case when not wearing them
- Be gentle when putting them on or taking them off
- Ask about spring hinges for added durability
If your child plays sports or is especially active, we can help you choose frames that match their lifestyle.
Healthy Vision Habits at Home
A few small changes can go a long way in protecting your child’s sight:
- 20-20-20 Rule — every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds when using screens
- Outdoor time — 2+ hours a day can help reduce the risk of myopia
- Limit screen time:
- Under 2: Avoid screens (except video chats)
- Ages 2–5: Limit to 1 hour of high-quality programming per day
- Age 6 and up: Set consistent limits and encourage breaks
- Keep devices 18–24 inches away from the face
Nutrition also plays a role in eye development. Ask your doctor for tips or refer to our blog post on healthy eating for kids’ vision.
Free Download: Eye Health Coloring Pages
To help introduce young children to the idea of eye exams and glasses, we’re excited to offer printable coloring pages. They feature kids receiving eye exams, trying on glasses and more.
These pages are a fun, friendly way to talk with your child about what to expect — and get them excited about taking care of their eyes.
Need to schedule your child’s exam?
Visit FocusedEyeCareNH.com or call our Nashua office – 603-882-0311 or Milford office – 603-673-1330 today.
Let’s give every child the clear, confident start they deserve this school year!
