When Should Kids See an Eye Doctor?
As a first-time parent, I felt confident in my child’s checkup schedule. Our pediatrician visited within hours of birth and we met our dentist after her first birthday.
But an eye doctor? I didn’t know the protocol here.
My husband has worn glasses since elementary school; mine didn’t arrive until college. Will our kids need glasses too? And how do we know when to have their vision checked?
We’ve polled KZOOKIDS readers for the best eye doctors in Kalamazoo and have their results below. If you’re looking for additional providers, try our Best Doctors Guide for other specialties.
Vision Behaviors That May Warrant a Checkup
It can be frustrating for a child to attempt to explain what’s wrong when they are experiencing problems with their eye health.
Schedule a checkup with an ophthalmologist or optometrist if you see any of the following:
• squinting
• tilting head or covering one eye
• sitting too close to screens/television
• rubbing eyes excessively
• experiencing frequent headaches/nausea
• tearing excessively
Common Eye Conditions in Children
Needing glasses or contact lenses isn’t the only ready to consult an eye doctor.
These are the most common kids’ eye conditions:
• eye focus/alignment disorders
• eye infections
• eye trauma/injuries
• vision correction (glasses/contacts)
Voting Results: Kids Eye Doctors in Kalamazoo
Vision appointments can appear daunting for kids. They include big machines, bright lights and sitting still. Is that feasible with small children? How can a toddler “read” an eye chart?
Here’s where finding the right eye care provider makes a big difference: with a kid-friendly eye doctor, the lights will not seem too bright nor the machines too scary. And “reading” may include seeing a bunny instead of a letter.
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends children have a thorough eye exam at age 3 and again just before entering kindergarten or first grade.
Every name in this guide received significant votes from our readers. Local parents voted these care professionals as the tops for kids:
Best Eye Doctor for Kids
Dr. Kevin Flynn
at
Richland Eye Care, PLLC
Top Kids Eye Doctors in Kalamazoo
1 • Flynn, Dr. Kevin • Richland Eye Care, PLLC
2 • Fox, Dr. Marie L. • Kalamazoo Valley Eyecare
3 • Cleary, Dr. David A. • Hiemstra Optical
4 • Collins, Dr. Lauren • Hiemstra Optical
5 • Farnsworth, Dr. Audrey • Rx Optical
5 • Rosen, Dr. Samantha • Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Ophthalmology
7 • Waterbury, Dr. William • Todd G Stagner, O.D. PLLC
7 • Whitsett, Dr. Aaron • Rx Optical
Choosing Your Family’s Eye Doctor
Whether your child wears glasses or not, an eye doctor should be included in your child’s healthcare team. By selecting one nominated by Kalamazoo area parents, you can be confident that your choice is a trusted partner in their care.
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