One mom brought her kindergartener in for a routine pediatric eye exam at Arlington Vision Source—just to be safe. She had no reason to worry; her son wasn’t complaining about his eyes. But during the visit, we uncovered a moderate focusing issue that made it difficult for him to track words across a page. His parents had thought he just didn’t like reading. In reality, he couldn’t see well enough to enjoy it.
Stories like this are common—and they highlight why pediatric eye exams are so important. At our two Arlington Vision Source locations in Arlington, we help parents catch eye problems early, often before a child can explain what’s wrong. These exams are about more than just clear sight—they’re about giving your child every advantage for growth and development.
Vision and Child Development Go Hand in Hand
From birth through adolescence, vision plays a critical role in how children explore, learn, and connect with the world. Visual skills impact everything from motor development and hand-eye coordination to reading, classroom performance, and social interaction.
Here’s what proper vision supports:
- Reading and comprehension
- Classroom attention and participation
- Sports and physical activity
- Confidence and independence
When vision problems go undetected, they can mimic learning disabilities, behavioral problems, or attention disorders. That’s why pediatric eye exams are a cornerstone of child wellness.
How Often Should Kids Have an Eye Exam?
At Arlington Vision Source, we follow the guidelines recommended by the American Optometric Association:
- First exam: Between 6–12 months of age
- Second exam: At age 3
- Before first grade: Around age 5–6
- Every year after that, especially during school years
These intervals are designed to catch problems during key developmental stages—and adjust care as your child grows.
Common Eye Problems in Children
Some vision conditions are difficult to detect without an exam, especially when a child doesn’t know how to describe what they’re experiencing. Common pediatric eye issues include:
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
- Astigmatism
- Strabismus (eye turn or misalignment)
- Amblyopia (“lazy eye”)
- Binocular vision problems (poor eye teaming or focusing)
Many of these conditions can be treated successfully if caught early—sometimes even fully corrected with proper care.
What Happens During a Pediatric Eye Exam at Arlington Vision Source
Our eye exams are tailored to your child’s age and development level. For infants and toddlers, we use specialized tools and visual behavior assessments. For school-aged kids, we conduct:
- Visual acuity testing (distance and near vision)
- Eye tracking and focusing evaluations
- Depth perception and eye teaming tests
- Refraction for eyeglass prescriptions
- Eye health assessments
The experience is relaxed and child-friendly, and we’ll walk you through everything we find.
Why Choose Arlington Vision Source in Arlington?
With two convenient locations in Arlington, Arlington Vision Source makes it easy for families to access expert pediatric vision care close to home. Our optometrists specialize in children’s eye health and take the time to explain each step of the process. We’re not just here to check boxes—we’re here to build a foundation for your child’s long-term success.
Give Your Child the Gift of Clear Vision at Arlington Vision Source
A yearly eye exam can make all the difference in your child’s learning and development. At our practice, our eye doctors help parents in Arlington catch vision problems early and support their children’s success every step of the way. Book your pediatric eye exam at one of our two convenient locations to get started.