---
title: Preparing for Your Child's Eye Exam - The Mind's Eye | VBA
description: Seeing clearly is key to a child’s development. As such, The American Optometric Associations recommends that children have their first eye exam at six months, then at age 3, again before starting school, and then every year following.
---

[[Test] The Mind's Eye ](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/the-minds-eye)

# [Preparing for Your Child's Eye Exam - The Mind's Eye | VBA](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/the-minds-eye/blog/post/preparing-for-your-child-s-eye-exam)

 Written by [Carrie Kadunce](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/the-minds-eye/author/carrie-kadunce) | Aug 18, 2017 4:00:00 AM

[Lifestyle](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/blog/categories/Lifestyle) [Vision](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/blog/categories/Vision) [Health and Wellness](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/blog/categories/Health%20and%20Wellness) [Frames, Lenses and More](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/blog/categories/Frames%2c%20Lenses%20and%20More)

# Preparing for Your Child's Eye Exam

 Posted on August 18, 2017 by [Carrie Kadunce](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/blog/authors/carrie-kadunce/)

Seeing clearly is key to a child’s development. To help set your child up for success, it’s important they have their eyes and vision checked regularly. Though you are have likely experienced your own eye exam, you may not be sure what to expect for your child. Let’s take a look at what is being assessed:

- Visual acuity

Screening tests will determine if there are any [refractive errors](https://www.aao.org/newsroom/news-releases/detail/back-to-school-eye-exams-vision-screening), such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) or astigmatism.  

- Visual alignment

Your child’s doctor can also look for signs of [diseases](https://www.allaboutvision.com/eye-exam/children.htm) such as:

- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Strabismus (crossed eyes)
- Ptosis (drooping of the eyelid)

If you or your doctor suspects that your child may have a vision problem, you can schedule an appointment with your optometrist or ophthalmologist for a [vision care exam](http://www.allaboutvision.com/eye-exam/expect.htm).

Whether your child needs a visual screening or vision care exam, be sure to inform the doctor of any of the following:

- Family history of eye conditions or diseases
- Symptoms of eye problems 
    - Headaches
    - Squinting
    - Dry eyes
- Sports injuries

 The information contained above is intended to be educational in nature, does not constitute medical advice, and should not be relied on as a substitute for actual professional medical advice, care or treatment. If you have any vision, dental or other health related concerns, VBA encourages you to immediately contact your optometrist/ophthalmologist, dentist/orthodontist or any other competent, licensed, medical professional.

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