Pediatric Eye Care in Santa Monica
👶Why Are Eye Exams Important for Children?
Children rely on their vision for learning, development, and everyday activities. Vision problems are not always obvious and may go unnoticed without a comprehensive eye exam.
Pediatric eye exams help identify vision and eye health concerns early, when intervention and support can be most effective.
What Pediatric Eye Exams Evaluate
A pediatric eye exam may include assessment of:
Visual acuity
Eye alignment and coordination
Focusing ability
Visual development appropriate for age
Overall eye health
Exams are adapted to a child’s age, comfort level, and developmental stage.
Common Vision Concerns in Children
Pediatric eye exams can help identify:
Nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism
Eye alignment or tracking issues
Focusing difficulties
Vision concerns that may affect reading or learning
Early detection supports healthy visual development and academic success.
Pediatric Eye Care in Santa Monica
At OptiHealth Optometry, Dr. Irina Yakubin, OD provides pediatric eye care in a calm, supportive environment. Exams are designed to be thorough while helping children feel comfortable and at ease.
When Should a Child Have an Eye Exam?
Regular eye exams are an important part of preventive health care for children, even when no vision problems are apparent.
The American Optometric Association recommends that children receive eye exams at the following ages:
6 months
3 years
Before starting school
Annually once school-aged
These routine exams help monitor visual development, detect early vision concerns, and support learning and overall eye health.
Additional Reasons to Schedule an Eye Exam
An eye exam is especially important if a child:
Complains of headaches or eye strain
Squints or sits very close to screens or books
Has difficulty with reading or schoolwork
Has a family history of vision problems
Has not had a recent comprehensive eye exam
Even without symptoms, annual eye exams during school years help ensure that vision changes are identified early and addressed appropriately.
Why Preventive Eye Exams Matter
Many childhood vision problems develop gradually and may not be obvious to parents or teachers. Routine exams allow for early detection, monitoring, and guidance that support healthy visual development and academic success.
Schedule a Pediatric Eye Exam
If you have questions about your child’s vision or eye health, we welcome you to schedule an appointment or contact our office.
All pediatric eye exams are provided at our Santa Monica optometry office, located inside Montana Eyes on Montana Avenue.