Many parents ask: “At what age should I take my child to the eye doctor?” The answer might surprise you. According to the American Optometric Association, infants should have their first eye exam at 6 to 12 months of age—long before they start school.
At Del Mar Family Eye Care, we’re proud to offer pediatric-friendly services that support your child’s development and learning from day one.
Toddlers and Preschoolers: Seeing Beyond the Obvious
You might wonder, “Is it necessary if my toddler can’t read yet?” Absolutely.
Vision issues like amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye turn), or significant refractive errors can develop silently. Our compassionate optometrists specialize in detecting early problems, even in non-verbal or shy children, through fun and interactive testing.
School-Age Monitoring: Routine is Key
After that initial visit, children should have comprehensive eye exams every 1–2 years.
Just because your child passed a vision screening at school or the pediatrician doesn’t mean their visual system is working optimally.
These screenings are limited, while our exams at Del Mar Family Eye Care evaluate binocular vision, tracking, focusing, and eye health—all crucial for classroom success.
Does Family History Matter?
Yes, but it’s not everything. Even if there’s no history of glasses or eye disease in your family, kids can still develop vision problems. And if you wear glasses or contacts yourself, your child is more likely to need them too—especially nearsightedness.
Ready to schedule your child’s first eye exam? Contact Del Mar Family Eye Care—our team is here to guide you through a worry-free visit.