Changing Your Perception of Eye Care for Children

According to the Visual Learning Centers of America, 80% of learning is visual. This means that the majority of what our children learn is gained from what they see. And if that vision is compromised, serious problems such as school difficulties can arise.

At Belle Vue Specialty Eye Care, our pediatric eye exams ensure children are ready to take on the world around them. Our goal is to provide kids with every sight advantage while making eye care fun.

Eye Exam Schedule

According to The American Optometric Association (AOA), the following exam schedule is recommended. However, if you have any concerns at any time, contact our office. The frequency of eye exams depends entirely upon your child.

Your child’s first eye exam should be between 6-12 months of age. The development of your baby’s eyes is crucial in the first few months of their life. This is when they must learn to focus on objects, move their eyes accurately, and use their eyes together as a team. Their visual system must learn how to process the information gathered and apply it accordingly.

Having your baby’s eyes checked will ensure that they are healthy and developing normally. This is essential in building the foundation for your child’s motor skills and cognitive development. The early detection of problems with vision can help prevent delays in their learning abilities.

The second eye exam should take place between the ages of 3-4. At this time, your preschool-aged child will see a huge leap in their intellectual and motor skills development. This is the time that they’ll learn skills such as drawing, playing with lego, using cutlery, and many other tasks. These skills are a necessary factor in their growth and will depend upon having good eyesight.

Also, this is the period in your child’s life when they are prone to eye conditions such as strabismus (eye turn), amblyopia (lazy eye), or hyperopia (far-sightedness). If left untreated, these may hamper your child’s primary learning skills and overall progress.

At this age, it is sufficient to schedule an eye exam once every two years. However, if you notice that your school-aged child is struggling academically or with other social activities, have them checked by an eye doctor immediately. The problem may be an underlying issue with their vision. Poor eyesight may cause your child to have issues with social and physical activities, which can result in behavioral issues as well.

What is Involved In our Pediatric Eye Exam?

Belle Vue Specialty Eye Care offers comprehensive pediatric eye exams which include tests such as:

  • Examination of the ocular health and eyelids
  • Assessing the pupils and their response to light
  • Checking if the eyes can fixate on an object and follow its movements
  • Using specialized cards to determine visual acuity
  • Hand-eye coordination
  • Binocular vision
  • Peripheral vision

During the exam, we will discuss the medical and developmental history of your child with you, including premature birth, developmental delays, eye injuries, and medications. We will also discuss your family and medical history in order to gain a full holistic understanding of your child and their genetics.

Our optometrists will test for any conditions, diseases, or abnormalities, and recommend treatment or management strategies, as necessary. These may include prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and/or vision therapy.

Symptoms of Vision Problems

If your child has issues with one or more of the following, they may be experiencing vision problems:

  • Constant rubbing of the eyes
  • Frequent squinting
  • Excessive blinking
  • Headaches
  • Covering one eye to focus
  • Turning or tilting the head to one side to see more clearly
  • Slow reading and writing abilities
  • Avoiding reading altogether
  • Having a short attention span
  • Holding their books close to the face

As with any condition, early detection is the key to successful intervention. As soon as you have an indication your child is experiencing a vision problem, book an eye exam appointment with us. Visual success can be significantly increased if issues are caught early.

What Our Parents are Saying

Visit Our Convenient Location

Hattiesburg

Located in the Bellevue Corner Market Shopping Center.

Contact Information

Phone: (601) 475-2020
Fax: (800) 493-5956
[email protected]

Address

7117 Highway 98, Suite 30
Hattiesburg, MS 39402

Jackson Satellite Location

Located in the Highland Village Shopping Center.

Contact Information

Phone: (601) 487-1089
Fax: (800) 493-5956
[email protected]

Address

4500 l-55 N Suite 218
Jackson, MS 39211
Monday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Located in the Bellevue Corner Market Shopping Center.

Contact Information

Phone: (601) 475-2020
Fax: (800) 493-5956
[email protected]

Address

7117 Highway 98, Suite 30
Hattiesburg, MS 39402
Monday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

Jackson Satellite Location

Located in the Highland Village Shopping Center.

Contact Information

Phone: (601) 487-1089
Fax: (800) 493-5956
[email protected]

Address

4500 l-55 N Suite 218
Jackson, MS 39211