Good vision plays a vital role in a child’s early development, from learning to walk and recognizing faces to reading and writing at school. Yet, many parents aren’t sure when their child should first see an eye doctor. At Enclave Vision, we’re here to help guide families through every stage of their child’s eye care journey.

Infant Eye Exams

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), your child should have their first eye exam between 6 and 12 months of age. This early assessment helps detect serious issues like congenital cataracts, lazy eye (amblyopia), or significant refractive errors. Many parents assume their child is too young to be tested, but pediatric eye exams at this stage are gentle, non-invasive, and designed to assess the overall health and function of the eyes.

Preschool Years

The next eye exam should happen between ages 3 and 5. During this time, your child’s visual system is developing rapidly, and clear vision is essential for learning shapes, colors, and basic reading skills. These exams check for alignment issues, depth perception, and visual acuity - ensuring your child is visually ready for kindergarten.

School-Aged Children

Once your child begins school, annual eye exams are recommended. Vision problems can go unnoticed, especially if your child doesn’t realize what “normal” vision is supposed to look like. Even children who pass school vision screenings may still have undetected vision issues like eye teaming problems, focusing difficulties, or undiagnosed refractive errors.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Between routine exams, be alert for these potential signs of vision issues:
 

• Frequent eye rubbing or blinking

• Complaints of headaches or tired eyes

• Holding books or screens very close

• Tilting the head or covering one eye to see

• Difficulty with reading or short attention span during visual tasks

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to schedule an eye exam sooner rather than later.

Get Started at Enclave Vision

At Enclave Vision, we believe that early eye care lays the foundation for a lifetime of healthy vision. Our team is experienced in working with children of all ages, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free exam for both kids and parents.

Schedule your child’s first eye exam with Enclave Vision and support their healthy development. Visit our office in Houston, Texas, or call (281) 759-3937 to book an appointment today.