for children of all ages

Pediatric Eye Exams

for children of all ages

Pediatric Eye Exams

Many eye problems start at an early age, which is why regular pediatric eye exams are crucial to detecting and treating issues early. At True Focus Eye Care in Port Richey, we provide comprehensive eye care for the whole family, including your little ones! Our optometrist has expertise in diagnosing and treating eye health and vision problems in children of all ages.  

When does your child need to visit the eye doctor? 

Your child should have their first eye exam at 6 months, followed by a second exam at three years old, and again before they enter kindergarten. For school-aged children, you should schedule an eye exam every two years if they don’t need corrective lenses. If your child wears eyeglasses or contact lenses, you should schedule annual visits or as recommended by their eye doctor.

Tests will vary depending on your child’s age, but a pediatric eye exam typically includes:

  • A case history
  • Vision testing
  • Determining whether eyeglasses are needed
  • Testing eye alignment
  • An eye health evaluation
  • Prescribing eyeglasses if necessary

InfantSEE® program

True Focus Eye Care is proud to participate in the InfantSEE® program. This program provides a one-time comprehensive eye and vision assessment for infants typically between 6 and 12 months old. Through InfantSEE®, we can offer early detection of potential eye and vision problems at no cost regardless of income or insurance coverage.

During your child’s InfantSEE® exam, our doctor will identify any potential risk factors that could impact your child’s eye health and vision. By detecting these factors early, we can help reduce the risk of conditions such as lazy eye that can lead to vision loss and learning and developmental issues. While it’s unlikely your baby has any eye problems, an InfantSEE® exam ensures any issues are identified early when treatment is most effective.

Why are eye exams important for children?   

Regular eye exams are a crucial part of your child’s healthcare routine, as they help ensure their eyes are healthy and developing properly. An eye doctor can detect vision problems in children that may otherwise go unnoticed, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Identifying and correcting these issues early on can help your child perform better in school and enjoy everyday activities.

Additionally, an eye doctor can diagnose and treat eye conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), and color blindness. With early detection and proper treatment, your child can maintain clear vision and avoid long-term vision problems.

Visual learning is a significant part of the learning process in school. Research suggests that approximately 80% of what we learn is through visual means, such as reading, writing, watching demonstrations, and observing diagrams or images. Visual skills needed for school include the following:

  • Excellent vision for near, up-close work and distance.   
  • Comfortable and correct “eye teaming,” which means the eyes work well together and can focus on the same place in space.   
  • The ability to adjust focus to see clearly at different distances. 
  • Accurate eye movement skills, such as the ability to read a line of text.   

What are the signs of vision problems in children?   

Vision problems in children can be difficult to detect because children may not know what “normal” vision looks like, and they may not be able to communicate effectively about their vision. An eye exam can help identify vision problems early on and ensure that children receive the treatment they need to develop good vision and prevent vision loss or other complications.

Signs your child should see a pediatric optometrist:

  • Frequent blinking, squinting, or irregular eye movements   
  • Frequently turning or tilting their head 
  • Covering or closing one eye to see better 
  • Poor hand-eye coordination or motor skills 
  • Rubbing their eyes frequently 
  • Frequent headaches  
  • Leaning in too close to see something or read 
  • Learning difficulties and poor handwriting    

If you notice any of these behaviors in your child, you should schedule an appointment with an eye doctor. However, some vision problems may have no warning signs, or your child might not report any symptoms. That’s why it’s important to schedule pediatric eye exams regularly to catch issues early.

Schedule a pediatric eye exam in Port Richey

Early detection and treatment can make all the difference in your child’s vision and overall well-being. At True Focus Eye Care, we provide pediatric eye exams for children of all ages. We use the latest technology and techniques to assess your child’s visual acuity and detect any potential vision problems or eye disorders. Schedule an exam for your child at True Focus Eye Care in Port Richey today!

Contact Info

8319 Embassy Blvd
Port Richey, FL 34668

727-819-0440

Hours

Mon: 8:00am–12:30pm-6:30pm
(Closed 12:30pm – 2:00pm)
Tue: 8:00am-5:00pm
Wed: 8:00-5:00pm
Thu: 8:00-5:00pm
Sat, Sun: closed

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