Children’s Eye Exams & Pediatric Eye Care

Why is Pediatric Eye Care so Important?

A child’s vision can change rapidly, and many common vision problems go undetected without a comprehensive eye exam. School screenings are a great first step, but they often only check for distance vision and can miss critical issues like focusing difficulties, eye teaming problems, or underlying eye diseases.

Under the care of Dr. Geneva, your child’s eye exam will go beyond a simple chart test to assess their overall eye health and visual development. We look for:

• Refractive Errors: Nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
• Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): A condition where one eye develops poor vision because the eyes don’t work together.
• Strabismus (Crossed Eyes): A misalignment of the eyes that can affect depth perception.
• Eye Teaming & Tracking Issues: Problems that can make reading and focusing on schoolwork difficult.
• Color Vision Deficiencies: Color blindness can affect a child’s learning and daily activities.
• Overall Eye Health: We check for signs of common childhood eye diseases and conditions.

When Should My Child Have Their First Eye Exam?

The American Optometric Association recommends a child’s first eye exam at 6 months of age, another at age 3, and then again right before they start kindergarten (age 5-6). After that, annual eye exams are recommended to monitor for changes in vision and ensure proper eye development throughout their school years.

What to Expect During a Pediatric Eye Exam

Dr. Geneva and our compassionate team understand that visiting the eye doctor can be intimidating for a child. We use fun, engaging techniques and specialized equipment to make the experience comfortable and stress-free. We use age-appropriate charts and tests, so even if your child can’t read yet, we can accurately assess their vision.

Our comprehensive pediatric eye exams include:

• Medical History: We’ll discuss your child’s health, family history of eye conditions, and any symptoms or concerns you may have.
• Visual Acuity Testing: We’ll determine how clearly your child can see at various distances.
• Refraction: We’ll measure for any refractive errors to determine if glasses are needed.
• Eye Health Evaluation: We’ll use modern, non-invasive technology to check the health of the internal and external structures of the eye.
• Vision Skills Assessment: We’ll check for eye alignment, tracking, and focusing skills to ensure they are ready for the demands of school.

Myopia Management: A Proactive Approach

If your child is diagnosed with nearsightedness (myopia), Dr. Geneva offers advanced myopia management solutions. Myopia is on the rise, and if left unmanaged, it can progress quickly, leading to higher prescriptions and an increased risk of serious eye conditions later in life. Our treatments, such as specialized contact lenses and prescription eye drops, can help slow the progression of myopia and protect your child’s long-term eye health.

Children’s Eyewear in Grand Haven

If your child needs glasses, our on-site optical boutique offers a wide selection of durable, stylish, and comfortable frames specifically designed for kids. Our friendly and knowledgeable opticians will help your child find the perfect fit and style, and we’ll ensure their lenses are crafted with the best materials for their active lifestyle.

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam in Grand Haven, MI

Don’t wait for a vision problem to affect your child’s success. Taking a proactive approach to their eye care is one of the best things you can do for their future.

Contact Grand Haven Eyecare today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Geneva, OD. We are proud to serve families throughout Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg, and the surrounding West Michigan communities. Your child’s clear vision and healthy eyes are our top priority.