Pediatric Eye Exams

Children’s eyes develop rapidly, and even small changes can affect how they see, learn, and interact with the world. At Coachella Valley Optometry, we provide comprehensive pediatric eye exams designed to detect vision problems early and support healthy development.

​​​​​​​Good eyesight is critical to your child’s success in school, sports, and everyday life. Reading, writing, computer work, and even play require strong vision. Without clear and comfortable eyesight, children may struggle with concentration, experience headaches, or lose confidence in activities they enjoy.

When Should Children Have Eye Exams?

According to the American Optometric Association:

• Infants (6–12 months): First eye health screening
• Preschool (3–3½ years): Eye alignment and visual acuity evaluation
• School-age (5+ years): Eye exam before starting school, then every 1–2 years unless otherwise recommended

For children with a family history of eye conditions, premature birth, or medical complications, more frequent exams may be necessary.

What Happens During a Pediatric Eye Exam?

Our pediatric exams are designed to be gentle, thorough, and age-appropriate. Depending on your child’s age, exams may include:

• Infants (under 1 year):
  • Red reflex test to screen for abnormalities
  • Pupil response to light
  • “Fixate and follow” test to check if your child can track objects
  • Preferential looking test to assess early vision development
• Preschoolers (ages 3–5):
  • Visual acuity and alignment tests
  • Screening for refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism
  • Early detection of amblyopia (“lazy eye”) or strabismus (eye misalignment)
• School-age children:
  • Visual acuity testing (distance and near)
  • Evaluation of focusing, tracking, and eye coordination
  • Screening for myopia, the most common refractive error in school-aged children
    
    

Signs Your Child May Have a Vision Problem

While some signs are obvious, others can be easy to miss. Watch for:

• Squinting or tilting the head when looking at something
• Holding books or screens very close to the face
• Short attention span for reading or close-up work
• Complaints of blurry vision or frequent headaches
• Difficulty following text while reading
• Avoiding reading, drawing, or games that require focus

If left untreated, these issues may impact school performance, sports participation, and self-confidence.

​​​​​​​Frequently Asked Questions

Schedule a Pediatric Eye Exam in the Coachella Valley

At Coachella Valley Optometry, we’re committed to supporting your child’s healthy vision from infancy through adolescence. With locations in Indio, Coachella, Cathedral City, and Palm Springs, CA, our friendly team makes it easy for families across the valley to access expert eye care.

​​​​​​​Call or book online today to schedule your child’s exam. Early care means better vision for life.