The signs of eye strain—squinting, headaches, or holding things too close—can make school and everyday activities harder for kids. As children grow, their eyes develop rapidly, which means their vision can change just as quickly. At St. Johns Eye Associates, we’re dedicated to helping families protect their children’s vision through early detection, personalized care, and eyewear that kids actually enjoy wearing.
From scheduling your first eye exam to finding the perfect pair of glasses, this guide covers everything you need to know about keeping your child’s eyes healthy, comfortable, and ready for success.
When Should My Child Have Their First Eye Exam?
Our doctors recommend bringing your child in for a comprehensive eye exam around age five—once they can identify letters or shapes. Pediatricians can perform basic screenings earlier, but only an optometrist can evaluate overall eye health and provide an accurate prescription if needed.
Because children’s eyes change quickly as they grow, we suggest scheduling annual exams every 12 months to monitor changes in prescription and ensure healthy visual development. Even if your child doesn’t mention vision problems, early exams help catch potential issues before they start affecting school or play.
Signs Your Child Might Need an Eye Exam
Children don’t always realize when something’s wrong with their eyesight. Watch for these common signs that may indicate your child needs glasses or a new prescription:
- Squinting or closing one eye to focus
- Frequent headaches or rubbing their eyes
- Sitting very close to the TV or holding books near their face
- Complaints about blurry or double vision
- Struggling in school or having trouble concentrating
If you or your partner wears glasses, your child may be more likely to need them too. Nearsightedness (myopia) often runs in families, and catching it early allows for more effective management and clearer vision.
The Impact of Screen Time on Young Eyes
Digital screens are part of daily life, but too much screen time can strain children’s eyes. Kids blink about five times less when focused on a phone, tablet, or computer, which can cause dryness, irritation, and fatigue.
Encourage your child to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Balancing screen use with outdoor activities also supports healthy visual development.
What to Expect During a Children’s Eye Exam
At St. Johns Eye Associates, we make eye exams simple and stress-free. Our experienced team has cared for families for more than 20 years and knows how to help even the most nervous kids feel comfortable.
Each visit lasts about an hour and includes:
- Visual testing: Checking how clearly your child can see at different distances.
- Refraction: Measuring their prescription to determine if glasses are needed.
- Eye health evaluation: Examining the front and back of the eyes for any signs of disease or change.
- Dilation: Used for most children to give a complete picture of their eye health.
If glasses are needed, our optical team will help your child pick a pair that fits their face, style, and lifestyle perfectly.
Choosing the Right Glasses for Kids
Children’s eyewear should be both durable and fun. We carry a wide selection of kids’ frames across our four locations—featuring bright colors, cool patterns, and trusted brands parents love.
When choosing frames, we focus on a secure fit, lightweight materials, and lenses that provide both clarity and protection. Polycarbonate lenses are our go-to for kids since they’re shatter-resistant and safe for sports or active play. For children who spend time outdoors, prescription sunglasses or transition lenses help protect developing eyes from UV rays.
Our optical experts take time to ensure every pair fits comfortably and securely. If adjustments are ever needed, you can stop by any location for a quick fix—no appointment necessary.
Building Confidence in Glasses Wear
Getting kids excited about wearing glasses starts with letting them have a say. When children help choose their frames, they feel more confident and are more likely to wear them consistently. Compliments and encouragement from family members go a long way too.
We recommend making glasses care part of your child’s daily routine—cleaning lenses, using their case, and checking for fit. As we like to remind parents: “When they’re not on your face, they’re in the case!”
Myopia Management for Growing Eyes
It’s normal for a child’s prescription to change each year, but in some cases, nearsightedness can progress quickly. That’s why we offer Myopia Management—a program designed to slow down myopia progression using safe, research-backed methods such as specialty contact lenses or custom treatments.
If your child’s vision seems to worsen rapidly, ask our doctors about personalized options to help protect their sight long-term.
Insurance and Payment Options Made Easy
We believe quality eye care should be accessible for every family. St. John’s Eye Associates accepts most vision and medical insurance plans, and our team can verify your benefits before your visit. Most pediatric plans cover part or all of your child’s exam.
For families without vision insurance, self-pay eye exams start at $189, which includes a full health check and prescription evaluation. We also accept HSA/FSA cards, CareCredit, and all major credit cards for added convenience.
When it’s time for new glasses, many insurance plans contribute toward the cost of frames and lenses. We also offer half off a second pair—perfect for prescription sunglasses or a backup set.
Scheduling Made Simple
We make scheduling easy for busy families. You can book appointments for two children back-to-back to save time, and our paperwork is sent via text in advance so check-in is quick and simple. Our offices are open during the week with last appointments at 4 p.m., leaving plenty of time for after-school visits.
When you arrive, our friendly front desk team will greet you, confirm your information, and guide your child through the process. Wait times are short, and kids can even pick a toy from our treasure box after their exam—a small reward for being a great patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should my child start eye exams?
Around age five, once they can recognize letters or shapes.
How often should kids have eye exams?
Once a year. Rapid growth means vision can change quickly, and annual exams help track those changes.
Are pediatric exams covered by insurance?
Most plans include pediatric vision benefits, often with only a small copay.
Can my child’s screen time affect their eyesight?
Yes. Too much screen time can cause eye strain and dryness. Encourage regular breaks and outdoor play.
Do you offer durable frames and sports goggles for kids?
Absolutely. We carry lightweight, shatter-resistant options designed for active children.
What if my child refuses to wear their glasses?
Let them choose frames they love, and give them positive reinforcement. Confidence and comfort make all the difference.
Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today
Healthy vision helps children succeed in school, play confidently, and enjoy the world around them. At St. Johns Eye Associates, we make it simple for families to access exceptional eye care in a warm, modern, and welcoming environment.
Whether your child is due for their first exam, needs new glasses, or could benefit from myopia management, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Schedule an appointment today at one of our convenient locations in Nocatee, CR 210, World Golf Village, or San Marco—and experience family eye care like no other.
Dr. Phillips earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the University of Georgia before achieving his Doctor of Optometry from the Southern College of Optometry. There, he served as Vice President of the Georgia Optometric Student Association and provided free and cost-reduced optometric care to underserved patients in Mexico and Belize with the Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity. He served his residency at Gainesville Eye Associates, focusing on ocular diseases.
Dr. Morgan Kickliter grew up in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
After growing up in Minersville, Pennsylvania, Dr. Price graduated from Susquehanna University in 2012 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. Dr. Price continued her education at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and completed her training in 2016. After graduation, Dr. Price spent her career studying advanced eye diseases and specialized Low Vision services and devices.
Dr. Kapadia graduated with honors from the Michigan College of Optometry in 1999, where she received the Wesley-Jessen award for Outstanding Work in Contact Lenses. During her studies, she also served as President of Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH), which works to improve the sight of millions of people in developing countries.
Dr. Kapadia originally hails from St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Brock University. He then went on to graduate with honors from the Michigan College of Optometry in 1998, where he specialized in contact lenses. After he graduated, Dr. Kapadia completed a one-year residency at the renowned Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida, where he focused on ocular diseases.