Child eye exams

[Samantha]

This could be a stupid question. BUT... am I supposed to bring my child in to see an eye doctor if she doesn't seem to have any issues with her vision. She doesn't have perfect vision according to the eye exams they do at the doctors office but who knows if she got bored of doing it or was messing around.. you know? I've never had a doctor bring it up so I was just curious.

[dara1012]

I think unless your ped/primary direct you to see an eye doctor based on the exams at annual screenings there is no need unless you notice something with your kids.

We have been wondering and watching DS lately because he said he can't read small print. But, it appears that he only says this when the book is harder and he is tired and doesn't want to read. If if is something he wants to read or knows well, he does it without seeming to strain or taking longer.

[Samantha]

Kids are so tricky!

[bunsy]

Agree with Debbie. With DD, the pediatrician suggested an eye exam when she didn't do very well on the screening at her yearly check-up in 2nd grade.

[onlyoneboy]

I've got horrible vision, so when I did the free eye exam for kids that are under 1 year, my eye doc told me to bring them back at 3 because most likely they will need glasses. DS1 go glasses at 4 years old and DS2 will need them some day to. The eye doc could tell because of the shape of the eye and how their eyes are so much like mine. DS1 does have astigmatism (sp) which I don't. DS2 is only 2 so I have another year before I bring him back in.

[apryllraye87]

I used to work at an optometrist office and they did "baby screenings" around 9 months. Since then, they've had me bring him in for a routine check-up every 2 years. Our insurance covers it so I don't mind bringing him in (plus I get to see all my old coworkers . I also have pretty bad vision so it's not much extra work to schedule him an appointment when I schedule my own.

[Samantha]

Good information! Thanks ladies!