At Dr. Lewis Eye Care, we believe "we care for people, not just eyes.” That philosophy is especially true when it comes to your child’s vision.
Even if your child isn’t saying “I can’t see well,” that doesn’t mean their eyesight is fine. In fact, many pediatric vision issues are silent — and early eye exams are essential for spotting them before they affect your child’s learning or development.
Why Early Eye Exams Matter
Healthy vision plays a critical role in a child’s growth. Children who struggle to see may:
- Fall behind in school
- Experience difficulty concentrating
- Display behavioral challenges linked to vision strain
Many eye conditions — like amblyopia (lazy eye) or refractive errors — may not show symptoms in early stages. That’s why Dr. Lewis Eye Care uses advanced tools like ultra-widefield retinal imaging to detect issues early and guide timely treatment.https://www.drlewiseyecare.com/our-eye-doctor/
Just as important: early exams help normalize eye care, making kids more likely to maintain regular vision checkups as they grow.
Recommended Eye Exam Schedule for Children
Dr. Scott Lewis and eye care team follow the American Optometric Association’s guidelines, adapted for patient-friendly care. Here's what we recommend:
- First Exam: 6–12 months
We assess visual development, eye alignment, and detect any significant differences between the eyes. - Next Exam: Around age 3
With improved communication, we can conduct more detailed, interactive testing. - Pre-Kindergarten Exam: Around age 5
This exam ensures your child is visually prepared for reading, digital devices, and classroom learning. - Ongoing: Every 1–2 years
If your child has no vision concerns, a checkup every one to two years is appropriate. Children who wear glasses or are at risk for vision problems may need more frequent exams.
Yes—Toddler Eye Exams Are Still Valuable
Even if your child can’t read yet, eye exams are still effective and important. At Dr. Lewis Eye Care, we use:
- Child-friendly picture charts
- Tracking games and light-based tests
- Observations of how the eyes work together
These tools help us detect:
- Eye alignment issues
- Large differences between the eyes
- Early signs of amblyopia or strabismus
- Refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness
Identifying these issues early gives us more options — and better outcomes.
Will My Child Need Glasses If I Wear Them?
Possibly. Genetics play a strong role in vision. If one or both parents need vision correction, your child is at higher risk of needing it, too.
This doesn’t guarantee they’ll need glasses — but it does make early exams especially important for proactive monitoring.
Screen Time and Children’s Vision Health
Yes, screen time can impact your child’s eyes. Research shows:
- Extended device use increases risk for eye strain and blurry vision
- Reduced outdoor time is linked to a rise in childhood myopia (nearsightedness)
We recommend:
- Frequent screen breaks (every 20–30 minutes)
- Plenty of outdoor play
- Annual vision exams to monitor for changes
At our Camas clinic inside Costco (open to all — membership not required), we make exams easy and accessible for families in the Camas area.
Signs Your Child May Have a Vision Issue
Keep an eye out for:
- Squinting, head tilting, or covering one eye
- Headaches after reading or screen time
- Holding books or screens too close
- Avoiding visual tasks or struggling with reading
- Complaints of blurry or double vision
Even if your child doesn’t report a problem, a routine eye exam can catch issues before they affect school performance or behavior.
How Uncorrected Vision Affects Learning and Behavior
Children with vision problems often work harder than their peers just to keep up. This can result in:
- Reduced reading comprehension
- Frustration with school tasks
- Fatigue or behavior issues that mimic attention disorders
By diagnosing and correcting these issues early, we help your child focus on learning — not struggling to see.
How Often Should Kids Have Eye Exams?
For most children without known risk factors:
- Every 1–2 years is sufficient
For children who wear glasses, have a family history of eye disease, or systemic health concerns:
- Annually or as recommended by your optometrist
At Dr. Lewis Eye Care, we combine preventive tools like Optomap imaging with a personalized, friendly approach tailored for your child’s needs.
How Parents Can Support Healthy Vision
- Schedule exams at milestone ages (6–12 months, age 3, before school)
- Limit continuous screen use and encourage outdoor activity
- Model healthy visual habits: use proper lighting, take blink breaks, and rest your eyes from screens
- Ensure prescribed glasses are worn consistently
- Share any behavioral or vision concerns with your optometrist
Why Families Choose Dr. Lewis Eye Care in Camas
- 20+ years of experience treating pediatric vision conditions
- Advanced diagnostic tools like ultra-wide retinal imaging
- A warm, family-centered care philosophy: we care for people, not just eyes
- Convenient location inside East Vancouver Costco (open to all)
From your baby’s first exam to teen years and beyond, we make eye care simple and supportive for your family.
Book Your Child’s Eye Exam Today
Early exams help set your child up for a lifetime of healthy vision and success in school. Whether it’s their first visit or a routine check-up, we’re here to help them see their best.
📍 Dr. Lewis Eye Care
📍 19610 SE 1st St, Camas, WA 98607 (Inside Costco – no membership required)
📞 Call (360) 258-6234 or request an appointment online.