As your child reaches certain milestones, scheduling doctor's appointments becomes essential, and among the most crucial is a visit to the eye doctor (optometrist). Discover what to expect when you bring your child to Innovative Eye Care in Bakersfield.
Bringing Your Child in for a Pediatric Eye Exam
Pediatric eye exams are vital for identifying any potential or existing issues with your child's vision or overall eye health. Eye doctors now recommend that children have their first eye exam by six months of age, followed by annual check-ups or by the age of three.
During the initial visits, the focus is on examining the eyes and assessing eye muscle movement using specialized instruments. As children grow older, they can participate in tests using eye charts and interactive machines that prompt responses to various visual stimuli. Choosing an optometry doctor for a child can be daunting. It's important to ask questions before the appointment to feel confident in your decision and understand what to expect during the exam.
Eye Exams by Age
For infants, the doctor will evaluate pupil responses and observe eye movements while tracking objects. Special cards may be used to engage the baby's attention and assess visual responsiveness. Preschool children undergo tests for visual acuity, eye tracking, convergence, depth perception, color vision, and detection of lazy eye, among others. These evaluations are crucial for promoting hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, even if glasses are not yet needed.
Older children and teenagers undergo more comprehensive testing to address issues beyond 20/20 eyesight. This includes assessments of eye tracking, binocular vision (using both eyes together), and visual processing skills, such as letter recognition, mental visualization, and detail recall.
Contact Innovative Eye Care in Bakersfield, CA
Whether it's your child's first visit to the eye doctor or they need a new optometrist, consider the exceptional services offered at our Bakersfield clinic. Innovative Eye Care warmly welcomes new patients, including children. Don't hesitate to call and schedule a pediatric eye exam appointment for your infant, young child, or teen.
Are you looking for an eye doctor near you? If you're in need of a pediatric eye exam or any other eye care services for your child, don't hesitate to contact Innovative Eye Care in Bakersfield, CA. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward protecting your child's vision and eye health for years to come.
