Kids Eye Exams: When to Book & What We Check For
Kids' Eye Exams: When to Book & What We Check For
Utah Valley Eye Center | Provo, Utah
Many parents wonder when their child should have their eyes checked and what exactly happens during a child’s eye exam. At Utah Valley Eye Center, we provide comprehensive kids’ eye exams for all ages, from infants to teenagers, helping your child see clearly, succeed in school, and stay confident in sports and everyday life.
If you’re searching for kids eye exams in or around the surrounding area of Provo, Utah, this guide covers when to schedule and what we check during a child’s eye exam here at Utah Valley Eye Center.
When Should Children Get Their First Eye Exam?
Children should have their eyes examined even if they aren’t complaining about vision problems. Many eye issues develop silently and can impact learning and development if left untreated.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, children should receive regular eye exams because many vision problems develop without obvious symptoms.
Recommended eye exam schedule for kids
Children should receive eye exams during the following key developmental stages:
• Infants (6–12 months): First vision screening
• Preschool (ages 3–5): Full pediatric eye exam
• School-age children: Annual eye exams
• Any age: Immediately if symptoms appear
Because vision can change quickly as kids grow, yearly eye exams help catch problems early, before they affect reading, learning, or confidence.
What Do We Check During a Kids' Eye Exam?
Parents often ask what exactly is included in a kid’s eye exam. At Utah Valley Eye Center, we perform a full evaluation of your child’s vision and eye health in a comfortable, kid-friendly environment.
During a comprehensive kids’ eye exam, our doctors check for:
- Need for glasses
- Lazy eye (amblyopia)
- Eye alignment & tracking
- Overall eye health
- Prescription accuracy
- Early signs of medical eye conditions
Our exams are gentle, thorough, and designed for children of any age. If glasses are needed, we help guide parents through the next steps with clarity and confidence.
Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Exam
Children don’t always realize their vision is blurry, so watch for these common signs:
- Squinting or tilting the head
- Holding books, tablets, or phones close
- Frequent eye rubbing
- Headaches after reading
- Trouble focusing at school
- Poor reading performance
- complaints of blurry or double vision
If your child shows any of these signs, it’s time to book an eye exam.
Why Kids' Eye Exams Matter for School and Learning
Clear vision plays a major role in classroom success. Many learning challenges are actually vision-related, and early detection can make a huge difference.
A routine eye exam for kids can:
- Improve reading speed and comprehension
- Reduce headaches and eye strain
- Support classroom focus
- Boost confidence and academic performance
We See Children of All Ages
Our doctors provide comprehensive eye exams for children of all ages, from infants and toddlers to teenagers. Each exam is customized to your child’s age and development, ensuring accurate results in a comfortable, kid-friendly environment.
-
Infants & toddlers
-
Preschool children
-
Elementary & middle school students
-
Teenagers
Why Parents Choose Utah Valley Eye Center for Children's Eye Exams
Many of our patients have been coming to Utah Valley Eye Center since they were kids, and now they bring their own children to us.
- Complete kids’ vision exams in one convenient location
- Experienced doctors who care for children daily
- Modern technology for accurate diagnoses
- Friendly, patient-first environment
- Clear communication with parents
Our experienced doctors have cared for families in Utah Valley for decades.
Meet our eye doctors →
Schedule Your Childs Eye Exam at Utah Valley Eye Center
We make scheduling easy! Call us today at 801-357-7373 or request an appointment online on our contact us page below.
Utah Valley Eye Center
1055 N 300 W Suite 204
Provo, UT 84604
📞 801-357-7373
Common Questions Parents Ask About Kids’ Eye Exams
We see children of any age, including infants and toddlers.
Most children should have an eye exam every year, especially during school years when vision can change quickly. Annual eye exams help detect vision problems early and support learning and development.
Yes, all of our doctors at Utah Valley Eye Center are experienced in pediatric eye exams.
Yes. School vision screenings are very limited and only check basic distance vision. They often miss:
-
Near vision problems
-
Focusing issues
-
Eye coordination problems
-
Early eye health concerns
A full pediatric eye exam provides a much more complete evaluation.
Children can need glasses at any age, but many vision issues appear:
-
Between ages 3–5 as visual skills develop
-
During early elementary school when reading increases
-
In teen years as prescriptions change quickly
Routine eye exams help catch changes early
Many children don’t realize their vision is blurry. Common signs include squinting, headaches, sitting close to screens, or struggling in school. A comprehensive kids’ eye exam is the best way to determine whether glasses are needed.
Most children’s eye exams take about 30–45 minutes. The exact length depends on your child’s age and whether they need additional testing. Our doctors tailor each exam to be efficient, gentle, and comfortable, especially for younger or nervous children.
