At Optometric Care Associates, we provide comprehensive pediatric eye exams for infants, toddlers, and school-age children to ensure healthy visual development at every stage.
When Should Kids Have Their First Eye Exam?
We begin seeing pediatric patients at birth, especially when there's a family history of eye issues like nearsightedness or childhood glasses. Early detection is key, and even nonverbal infants can benefit from an exam. These initial visits focus on the overall development of the eye and help identify any issues early on.
Children don’t need to read letters or answer questions to have a successful eye exam. With the right tools and techniques, we can evaluate vision even in babies and toddlers.
How We Assess Nonverbal and Preverbal Children
For our youngest patients, we use a handheld autorefractor — often called “the spot” — which provides quick, objective results about their visual needs. Originally developed for school screenings, it’s a reliable tool for evaluating vision in children too young to communicate.
If needed, we may perform a dilated exam to gather more detailed information. We also observe how the eyes move and work together, looking for signs of issues like strabismus (eye misalignment) or amblyopia (lazy eye).
We also take your observations seriously. Feedback from parents helps us understand how your child uses their vision day to day.
Customizing Eye Exams for Kids with Autism and ADHD
Sensory-friendly care is a top priority for our team. We tailor every pediatric eye exam to fit your child’s comfort level, especially if they have autism, ADHD, or other developmental concerns. Our approach includes:
- Reducing light and sound stimuli
- Allowing extra time for acclimation
- Minimizing the number of staff in the room
- Letting the Dr. Douglas L. Major guide the pace
Every child deserves a safe and supportive exam experience. Our team is trained to adapt and provide a welcoming space where your child feels at ease.
What Lenses Are Best for Children’s Glasses?
We recommend polycarbonate lenses for most children. These lenses are:
- Lightweight
- Impact-resistant
- Covered by many insurance plans
If your child needs a more advanced lens, such as Trivex, we’ll discuss the benefits and ensure the right fit based on their prescription and lifestyle. As your child grows, we revisit their lens options to ensure ongoing comfort and clarity.
Does Screen Time Affect Kids’ Vision?
Many parents worry that too much time on tablets or phones could damage their child’s eyesight. While screens don’t cause permanent eye damage, they can lead to eye strain, fatigue, and overstimulation. Common signs of screen-related strain include:
- Frequent blinking or squinting
- Headaches
- Eye rubbing
- Irritability
To reduce these effects:
- Use blue light filters on devices
- Encourage breaks using the 20-20-20 rule
- Promote outdoor play
If you notice vision changes or unusual behavior during screen time, schedule an exam with Dr. Douglas L. Major.
Pediatric Vision Care in Paso Robles
From the newborn stage to high school, our team is equipped to monitor and support your child’s visual development. Whether you’re concerned about early symptoms or just need to schedule your child’s first exam, Optometric Care Associates is here to help.
Families looking for the best eye doctor in Paso Robles or an optometrist near me who understands how to treat kids — including those with special needs — are in good hands with us. We’ll provide answers, care, and the expertise your child deserves.
*Select Saturdays only. Please call our office for availability.