A children's eye exam is an expert assessment of your child's eye health and vision performed by a pediatric optometrist (OD) or pediatric ophthalmologist (eye MD). A brief examination of your child’s eyes and a vision screening by a pediatrician or family practice doctor is not a substitute for an eye exam performed by an eye doctor.

Experts recommend that children have their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months of age to look for initial vision problems in the first year of life. Children should have their eyes checked again at age 3 and again at age 5 or 6, just before they start first grade.

Eye exam: As part of your child’s eye exam, your child’s healthcare provider will examine your child’s eye using an ophthalmoscope, a type of instrument. They will also check your child’s pupils, eye alignment, and eye movements. An eye exam doesn’t test your child’s vision but gives an overall picture of eye health.

Pediatric eye exam: A pediatric eye exam is a much more thorough look at a child’s vision and eye health. They’re done by a professional eye care practitioner like an optometrist or ophthalmologist who can diagnose issues and recommend treatment.