FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions by our Patients
General Pediatric Eye Care
At what age should my child have their first eye exam?
Healthy children should receive age-appropriate vision screening beginning at birth and during routine well-child visits with their pediatrician or primary care doctor. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) recommend a comprehensive eye examination when a child does not pass their screening or has concerning symptoms or risk factors, such as an abnormal red reflex, eye misalignment, poor visual behavior, prematurity, developmental or neurologic conditions, or a family history of serious childhood eye disease. Children with concerns can be evaluated at any age. For families who would like comprehensive eye examination (despite normal screening and no other risk factors), our pediatric optometrists provide excellent routine pediatric eye care; the American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends a baseline comprehensive examination between 6 and 12 months of age and every year after.
How often should my child have an eye exam?
For children who pass their routine vision screening and have no symptoms or risk factors, annual comprehensive eye examinations may not be necessary. Most children who require glasses should have an exam at least once a year. Some parents of healthy children (even without glasses) elect to have annual eye exams to be proactive about their children’s eye health and vision. Children with other eye conditions, failed a screening, or have relevant risk factors should return more frequently and at the interval recommended by their eye care specialist.
What are signs my child may have a vision problem?
Common signs include squinting, frequent eye rubbing, sitting too close to screens, tilting their head, complaints of blurry vision, or difficulty focusing in school. If you notice any of these, we recommend scheduling an evaluation.
Do pediatric eye exams differ from adult exams?
Yes. Pediatric exams are tailored to your child’s age and developmental level. We use specialized techniques to evaluate vision, eye alignment, and eye health—even in children who are not yet reading or speaking clearly.
What conditions do pediatric eye specialists treat?
We diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including refractive errors, amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye misalignment), eye infections, and other pediatric eye health concerns.
Common Conditions
What is amblyopia (lazy eye), and how is it treated?
Amblyopia, commonly called lazy eye, occurs when one eye does not develop normal vision during early childhood because the brain favors the other eye. Common causes include a need for glasses, eyes that are not properly aligned (strabismus), or a blockage of vision such as a cataract. Treatment depends on the cause and may include glasses, patching the stronger eye, atropine eye drops, surgery when appropriate, or a combination of these treatments. Early diagnosis and treatment offer the best chance of developing normal vision.
What is strabismus (crossed eyes)?
Strabismus is a condition in which the eyes do not align properly. One eye may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward. Treatment depends on the type and cause and may include glasses, patching or atropine for associated amblyopia, prism in selected patients, and sometimes eye-muscle surgery. Although specific orthoptic exercises may help in selected forms of strabismus, such as convergence insufficiency, vision therapy is not an effective treatment for most childhood strabismus.
What is vision therapy?
Vision therapy is a program of eye exercises and activities designed to improve certain visual skills. While vision therapy can be helpful for a limited number of conditions, it has not been shown to be effective for most childhood eye disorders, including amblyopia (lazy eye) or common forms of strabismus (crossed eyes).
Do you offer vision therapy?
Our practice follows the evidence-based recommendations of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS). We do not offer traditional office-based vision therapy for conditions where it has not been shown to be effective.
Instead, we provide treatments that are supported by the best available medical evidence, which may include:
- Glasses
- Patching or atropine eye drops for amblyopia
- Prism glasses in selected patients
- Eye muscle surgery when appropriate
For children with convergence insufficiency or certain other binocular vision disorders, eye exercises or vision therapy may be beneficial. If we determine that your child has one of these conditions, we will discuss the most appropriate treatment options or refer you to a qualified provider if needed.
Can vision problems affect my child’s learning?
Yes. Vision plays an important role in learning. Undiagnosed vision problems can impact reading, writing, and overall school performance. Book your appointment today!
What causes frequent eye rubbing or blinking?
Frequent rubbing or blinking can be caused by eye strain, dryness, allergies, or vision issues. Other forms of blinking can be neurologic or behavioral. An eye exam can help determine the cause.
Are headaches related to vision problems in children?
Sometimes. Eyestrain from uncorrected vision issues can contribute to headaches, especially during reading or screen use. A dilated eye exam can help determine that.
Glasses and Vision Correction
How do I know if my child needs glasses?
The only way to know for sure is through a comprehensive eye exam. If needed, we will prescribe glasses and explain how they will help your child’s vision.
Will wearing glasses make my child’s vision worse?
No. Glasses do not weaken vision. They help your child see clearly and support healthy visual development.
How do I choose the right glasses for my child?
We recommend durable frames that fit properly and lenses designed for children. Our team can help guide you in selecting the best option.
What if my child refuses to wear their glasses?
This is common. Consistency and encouragement are key. We can provide tips and strategies to help your child adjust to wearing their glasses.
Do you offer contact lenses for children?
In some cases, contact lenses may be appropriate for older children. An evaluation is required to determine if your child is a good candidate.
Appointments and Scheduling
How do I schedule an appointment?
Follow up appointments can be requested through our website using our convenient online forms, or by contacting our office directly. New patients can self-schedule by using the “Book Your Appointment” link on our website.
Do you offer self-scheduling for new patients?
Yes. New patients can self-schedule by using the “Book Your Appointment” link on our website. This tool helps match you with the most appropriate provider based on your child’s needs.
What should I expect during my child’s first visit?
Your child’s visit will include an age-appropriate evaluation of vision, eye alignment, focusing needs, and eye health. New comprehensive examinations commonly include dilating drops so the provider can examine the inside of the eyes and accurately measure refractive error. Our team will explain each step and answer your questions.
Why does my child need their eyes dilated?
Dilating the eyes allows your provider to thoroughly examine the retina, optic nerve, and other important structures at the back of the eye. It also enables an accurate cycloplegic refraction, which is especially important in children because they have strong focusing power that can hide farsightedness or other refractive errors. Dilation is routinely performed during new comprehensive eye examinations and when medically needed, but it may not be required at every follow-up visit. The drops typically cause temporary light sensitivity and blurred near vision that usually wear off within a few hours, although the effects can occasionally last longer in some patients.
How long does an appointment typically take?
Most appointments take between 1 to 2 hours, depending on the type of exam and any required testing. If it is your first appointment or you require special testing, we would recommend on planning for at least 2 hours to be safe.
Do I need a referral to be seen?
We do not require a referral, but some insurance plans do require a referral, or they will not pay for your appointment. Please check with your insurance provider or review your plan requirements before your visit.
Patient Portal and Forms
How do I get help accessing the MyPatientVisit patient portal?
If you need assistance with portal access, please visit our website and use the “Contact Us” form. Our team will help you regain access.
MyPatientVisit is asking for a Practice ID and Access Code, where do I locate that?
Practice ID and Access code are provided in the invite email sent upon scheduling. To have your invite resent, please contact the office or visit our website and use the “Contact Us” form. Our team will reach out to assist. Patient Portal
What can I do through the patient portal?
The patient portal allows you to view visit summaries, update information, communicate with our team, and access important documents.
Where can I find and submit patient forms?
All necessary forms are available in the MyPatientVisit portal under consents.
Medical Records
How do I request a copy of my child’s medical records?
You can request records by completing the medical records request form on our website.
How long does it take to receive records?
Processing times may vary, but most requests are completed within several business days.
Can records be sent to another provider or school?
Yes. You can indicate where records should be sent when submitting your request form.
How can I check the status of my medical record request?
To check the status of your medical record request, please contact VitalChart, our medical records processing partner, directly at 800-359-8520. Their team can provide updates on your request and assist with any questions regarding processing times or documentation requirements.
Follow-Up Care
How do I request a follow-up appointment?
Follow-up appointments can be requested through our website using the appropriate request form. You can also call the office at 817-529-9949, selecting option 3 for scheduling.
When should my child return after their exam?
Your provider will recommend a follow-up schedule based on your child’s specific diagnosis and treatment plan.
What if my child’s symptoms change before the next visit?
If symptoms worsen or new concerns arise, please contact our office or submit a request through our website. While most messages are addressed same day, we do recommend calling for any time sensitive matters.
Insurance and Billing
What insurance plans do you accept?
We accept a large variety of medical and vision insurance plans. Feel free to contact our office with any questions. It is strongly suggested to contact your insurance plan directly to verify your specific plan coverage and requirements.
What is the difference between vision and medical insurance?
Vision insurance typically covers routine eye exams and glasses with an optometrist, while medical insurance covers diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions.
What if I do not have insurance?
We offer self-pay options and bill financing through Cherry. Please contact our office for more information.
When is payment due?
Payment is due at the time of service unless prior arrangements have been made.
Urgent Eye Concerns
What should I do if my child has an eye injury?
If your child experiences an eye injury, seek immediate medical attention. Contact our office and we will do our best to work you into our clinic in a timely manner or visit the nearest emergency facility.
When should I seek urgent eye care?
Seek immediate care if your child has sudden vision changes, severe eye pain, redness, swelling, or trauma to the eye.