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Monday, 11 October 2010 15:25

When should my child have an eye exam?

Written by  Dr. Shannon Franklin
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When should my child have an eye exam?

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), healthy eyes and good vision play a critical role in how infants and children learn to see. It is estimated that 80% of learning occurs through vision. The AOA recommends eye care check-ups starting at age 6 months followed by every two years - even if no eye or vision problems are apparent - and more frequently if experiencing signs that may indicate a vision problem (see signs below).

As a family practice, we are one of the few practices that serves children under age 5 in the Greater Charlottesville area.

The team at Crozet Eye Care is trained to work with children of all ages to ensure that check-ups and visits are as comfortable and pleasant as possible for our little patients (our fun prizes help!).

The following signs may be indications of eye and vision problems:


For Pre-Schoolers, in which it is estimated that 10% are affected by vision problems:

  • Sitting close to the TV or holding a book too close 
  • Squinting
  • Tilting their head
  • Frequently rubbing their eyes
  • Short attention span for the child's age
  • Turning of an eye in or out
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Difficulty with eye-hand-body coordination when playing ball or bike riding, Avoiding coloring activities, puzzles and other detailed activities

For School-Age Children: Frequent eye rubbing or blinking

  • Short attention span
  • Avoiding reading and other close activities
  • Frequent headaches
  • Covering one eye
  • Tilting the head to one side
  • Holding reading materials close to the face
  • An eye turning in or out
  • Seeing double
  • Losing his or her place when reading
  • Difficulty remembering what he or she read

Contact me with any questions, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Last modified on Monday, 08 October 2012 09:12
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Dr. Shannon Franklin

Dr. Shannon Franklin

Dr. Franklin earned her Bachelor degree at the University of Virginia and her doctorate from Southern College of Optometry (SCO). While attending SCO, she conducted research in the areas of dry eye syndrome and contact lens solutions. Dr. Franklin was awarded the 2002 Vanguard of the Year by the Virginia Optometric Association (VOA). Currently, she is the President of the VOA, serves as InfantSEE coordinator for Virginia as well as on the national InfantSEE committee, and is a Fellow in the Virginia Academy of Optometry.

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