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Pediatric Eye Exam
in Pittsburgh
Parents want the best for their children, and that includes taking care of their eyes. Many vision problems can go unnoticed without proper testing. Children may not always be able to communicate if they are experiencing vision issues, so it’s important to have their eyes checked regularly.
At Pittsburgh Primary Eyecare, our optometrists provide pediatric eye exams in Pittsburgh for children ages five and older. We create a welcoming, kid-friendly environment, so your child feels comfortable from the moment they walk in. This makes it easier to get accurate results and a thorough evaluation of their eye health.
Signs your child needs to see a pediatric eye doctor
Children rarely complain about vision problems because they assume everyone sees the world the same way they do. Knowing what to look for can help you act early. Schedule a pediatric eye exam if your child shows any of the following signs:
- Sitting too close to the TV or holding books and devices very close to their face
- Squinting or closing one eye to see better
- Frequent eye rubbing, especially when not tired
- Tilting their head or covering one eye when focusing
- Complaints of headaches, especially after reading or schoolwork
- Losing their place while reading or skipping lines
- Avoiding reading, puzzles, or other close-up activities
- Sensitivity to light
- One eye that appears to turn in or out
- Falling behind in school or having difficulty concentrating
Even if your child hasn’t mentioned any of these symptoms, regular eye exams are still important. Many vision problems have no obvious signs.
What to expect during a pediatric eye exam
During your child’s eye exam, our optometrists will conduct a thorough evaluation of their vision and eye health. Here’s what the exam covers:
Visual acuity testing
We measure how clearly your child sees at various distances—both near and far. This is the standard letter eye chart test, which we can adapt for younger children who may not know all their letters by sight yet.
Refractive error assessment
We check for nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism—the most common reasons children need glasses or contact lenses.
Eye alignment and muscle function
We evaluate whether the eyes are properly aligned and whether the eye muscles are working correctly. Misalignment can lead to double vision or amblyopia (lazy eye) if left untreated.
Binocular vision (eye teaming)
We test how well both eyes work together as a coordinated team. Poor eye teaming can cause reading difficulties, headaches, and eye strain, even when each eye sees clearly on its own.
Depth perception
We assess stereopsis, which is your child’s ability to perceive depth and three-dimensional space. This affects sports, coordination, and many everyday tasks.
Color vision
We screen for color vision deficiencies, which are more common in boys. Early identification helps parents and teachers support children in the classroom.
Eye health evaluation
We examine the internal and external structures of the eye to check for any signs of disease, abnormalities, or conditions that may affect long-term vision health.
Myopia management consultation
If your child shows signs of progressing nearsightedness, we’ll discuss myopia management options to help slow its progression over time.
Screen time guidance
With screen time on the rise among children, we provide tailored advice on reducing digital eye strain, preventing headaches and fatigue, and building healthy vision habits at home and in school.
After the exam, we will discuss the results with you and recommend glasses, contact lenses, or vision therapy referrals if needed. We’re here to answer your questions and support your child’s vision development every step of the way.
Visit our pediatric optometrists in Pittsburgh
Give your child the best start with a pediatric eye exam at Pittsburgh Primary Eyecare. Call us at (412) 381-1542 or book an appointment online.
Pediatric eye exam FAQ
At what age should a child get their eyes checked?
Children should have their first eye exam between six and twelve months old, followed by a second exam between ages 3 and 5, and another before starting first grade. From there, annual eye exams are recommended throughout childhood and adolescence.¹
Early exams are important because many vision conditions are much easier to treat when caught in their developmental stages. At Pittsburgh Primary Eyecare, we see children ages five and older.
Can my pediatrician do an eye exam?
Pediatricians can perform basic vision screenings, but these are not the same as a comprehensive eye exam performed by an optometrist. A screening can only check for a limited number of issues and may miss conditions like binocular vision problems, early-stage lazy eye, or subtle refractive errors. A full exam with our optometrists provides a much more complete picture of your child’s eye health and visual function.
My child passed a school vision screening. Do they still need an exam?
Yes, they still need to see a pediatric optometrist. School vision screenings are a helpful first step, but they are designed to identify only the most obvious vision problems. They often miss conditions like farsightedness, binocular vision issues, and eye coordination problems, all of which can significantly affect a child’s ability to learn and read.
Passing a screening does not mean a child’s vision is problem-free. A comprehensive eye exam is the only way to fully evaluate your child’s eye health.
Why are regular pediatric eye exams important?
Vision plays a central role in nearly every aspect of a child’s development, from learning to reading to playing sports to social interaction. An estimated 80% of learning in the classroom is delivered visually.² Undetected vision problems can be mistaken for learning disabilities, attention issues, or behavioral problems. Regular eye exams ensure that any conditions are caught and treated early, before they have a chance to impact your child’s academic performance, development, or quality of life.
