Where to Get a Children’s Eye Exam? Tests and Steps Parents Should Know

April 3, 2026

A children’s eye exam is an important step in assessing visual development from an early age. Vision plays a key role in learning, reading, and daily activities. If vision problems are detected early—especially through visual acuity (VA) testing—they can be corrected in time to support healthy development.

If you’re wondering where to take your child for an eye exam, Better Vision will guide you through children’s vision testing methods and key VA screening processes every parent should know.

Key Takeaways

Children’s eye exams use visual charts with symbols or pictures, such as Allen Chart, Lea Chart, and HOTV Chart
Eye exams include more than VA testing—they also assess eye movement, depth perception, and color vision
Early screening helps detect issues such as nearsightedness, astigmatism, strabismus, and lazy eye
Optometrists can evaluate vision, eye function, and provide proper eye care advice
Regular eye exams help prevent long-term vision problems and support healthy development

Table of Contents

How Are Children’s Eye Exams Conducted?

Children’s eye exams differ from adult exams because young children may not be able to read letters or respond clearly. Therefore, eye specialists use charts designed specifically for children, featuring symbols, images, or simple letters.

Allen Chart

The Allen Chart uses familiar objects such as a house, phone, or apple instead of letters. Children may be asked to name or match the images. This method is ideal for preschool-aged children who cannot yet read.

Lea Chart

The Lea Symbols Chart is widely used in eye clinics. It includes four simple shapes: an apple, square, circle, and house. Children can either name the shapes or match them with cards.

HOTV Chart

The HOTV Chart uses only four letters: H, O, T, and V. These letters are visually balanced and easy to recognize. Children can identify or match the letters, making this method suitable for early readers.

What Are the Steps in a Children’s Eye Exam?

A comprehensive children’s eye exam includes several steps to evaluate both vision and eye health:

Observing visual behavior (eye tracking, focusing, response to light)
Measuring visual acuity (VA) to assess clarity and detect lazy eye
Testing depth perception (3D vision)
Screening for color blindness
Evaluating eye movement and muscle coordination
Examining the front of the eye (cornea, lens, iris)
Measuring refractive errors (nearsightedness, astigmatism, strabismus)
Checking intraocular pressure (glaucoma risk screening)
Testing visual field
Retinal imaging to monitor long-term eye health

Why Should Children See an Optometrist?

Optometrists are vision care experts who specialize in assessing children’s eyesight and visual development. They can:

Measure vision accurately
Evaluate eye function and coordination
Detect early vision problems
Provide appropriate treatment recommendations

They also offer guidance on eye care, such as preventing eye strain and choosing suitable lenses. If complex conditions are found, they can refer patients to ophthalmologists for further treatment.

FAQs

Q: When should children have their first eye exam?

A: Eye exams can begin shortly after birth. Initial screening is often done within 72 hours after birth, followed by checks at 6–8 weeks and again before starting school (around ages 4–5).

Q: Can children who can’t read still have an eye exam?

A: Yes. Eye specialists use symbols, images, and observation techniques to assess vision based on the child’s age.

Children’s Eye Exams by Experts at Better Vision

Children’s eye exams are essential for evaluating visual development and detecting problems early. From symbol-based charts to comprehensive eye assessments, regular check-ups help reduce future vision issues.

If you’re wondering where to take your child for an eye exam or where to get glasses, choosing a vision expert is key.

Better Vision is a trusted optical partner with over 75 years of experience and 100+ locations nationwide. We provide professional eye exams for children, expert consultation, and high-quality eyewear solutions tailored to every stage of life.

Contact Better Vision