Pediatric Eye Exams

Pediatric Eye Exams in Redlands, CA

A Clear Vision for a Bright Beginning

At Bright Sight Optometry, we know that healthy vision is essential to your child’s growth, learning, and confidence. From mastering the alphabet to thriving on the playing field, clear eyesight supports every stage of childhood. We’re proud to offer thorough, compassionate pediatric eye care for families in Redlands and throughout the Inland Empire.

Why Pediatric Eye Exams Matter for Children’s Vision

Children’s eyes are constantly developing, and vision issues can arise without the child knowing it is abnormal. Undetected vision problems may affect academic performance, focus, behavior, and coordination. Because many children assume the way they see is “normal,” routine eye exams are crucial for identifying concerns early—before they interfere with learning or development.

Signs Your Child May Have a Vision Issue

Children don’t always communicate vision problems clearly. Common signs of vision problems in children include:

Squinting or covering one eye
Holding books or devices too close
Excessive blinking or eye rubbing
Tilting or turning the head
Difficulty focusing on reading or crafts
Losing their place while reading
Avoiding close-up activities like puzzles or coloring
Frequent bumps or poor coordination

If you notice any of these behaviors, we encourage you to schedule a pediatric eye exam.

When Should My Child Have an Eye Exam?

Bright Sight Optometry follows the American Optometric Association (AOA) recommendations for pediatric eye care:

First Exam: Between 6–12 months
Second Exam: Around age 3
Third Exam: Before kindergarten (ages 5–6)

Ongoing Care: Every 1–2 years, or annually for children who wear glasses or have a diagnosed condition These early visits allow us to detect issues such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye misalignment), and refractive errors like nearsightedness or astigmatism—before they impact school and daily life.

What to Expect During a Pediatric Eye Exam

Every child is different, and the exact testing we perform depends on your child’s age, development, and visual needs. We focus on making the visit comfortable while providing a thorough evaluation of vision and eye health.

A pediatric eye exam may include:

Visual acuity testing (distance and near)
Glasses prescription testing using refraction or retinoscopy
Color vision screening
Depth perception (stereopsis) testing
Eye alignment and binocularity testing to check for eye turns or eye misalignments
Eye movement testing
Gross visual field assessment
Eye pressure measurement
Evaluation of the front and back of the eyes
Dilation to comprehensively check the back part of the eyes
Retinal imaging provides a valuable baseline for monitoring your child’s eye health over time

Preparing Your Child for an Eye Exam

It’s normal for children to feel unsure about a first eye exam. Talk with your child ahead of time and explain that the visit is gentle and game-like—there are no shots, and activities may include looking at pictures, toys, or shapes. Pediatric eye exams typically last about an hour, including time for dilating drops to take effect.

Try to schedule the appointment when your child is well-rested and happy. Bringing a favorite toy, snacks, and comfort items can help make the visit easier. You may also want to bring a list of medications, medical history, and any questions you have for the doctor.

InfantSEE®: Complimentary Eye Exams for Infants

Bright Sight Optometry is proud to participate in the InfantSEE® program, an initiative by the American Optometric Association. Through this program, infants ages 6–12 months receive a free comprehensive eye exam, regardless of insurance coverage or income. Early evaluation can make a lifelong difference in your child’s visual development.

Addressing the Rise of Childhood Myopia

Myopia (nearsightedness) is increasing at an alarming rate, often progressing more quickly in children. Higher prescriptions over time can raise the risk of serious eye conditions later in life.

We offer proven myopia management solutions, including:

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Overnight lenses that gently reshape the cornea
Soft contact lenses: FDA-approved MiSight contact lenses worn during the day
Low-dose atropine eye drops: diluted dilation drops instilled every night
Stellest Lenses: FDA-approved eyeglasses for slowing down nearsightedness

These options can help slow myopia progression and protect your child’s long-term eye health.

Strabismus & Amblyopia Care

If a child’s eyes appear misaligned—turning inward, outward, upward, or downward—they may have strabismus, which can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye) and reduced depth perception if untreated. Early diagnosis is key to healthy visual development.

Our care includes comprehensive pediatric evaluations, ongoing monitoring, and individualized treatment such as glasses or prism lenses, patching therapy, atropine eye drops, and vision therapy when appropriate. We also collaborate closely with pediatric vision therapists and strabismus surgeons to ensure coordinated, effective care for every child.

See Clearly. Live Brightly.

Give your child the strongest foundation for a successful future—starting with healthy vision. Bright Sight Optometry is here to support your family every step of the way.

Call us today at 909-435-0414 or book your appointment online:

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Pediatric Eye Exams