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When Should My Child Have Their First Eye Exam?

When Should My Child Have Their First Eye Exam?

As a busy parent juggling everything from after-school pickup to dentist appointments, your child’s vision may not always be top of mind—but it should be.

At Dr. Bruce E. Reid & Associates, we help Buford families protect their children’s eyesight with expert care and compassionate service.

What Age Should My Child Have Their First Eye Exam?

The American Optometric Association recommends:

  • First eye exam by age 3
  • Second exam before starting school (around age 5–6)

At our Buford office, we begin seeing children ages 8 and up. For younger kids, we provide referrals to trusted pediatric specialists. Once your child turns 8, they’re in great hands with our experienced, kid-friendly team.

How Often Should Kids Have Eye Exams?

For children 8 and older, we recommend annual comprehensive eye exams.

If your child’s vision is changing rapidly or if they’re experiencing symptoms like eye fatigue or trouble focusing, we may suggest checkups every 6 months.

At every visit, we provide detailed testing to ensure their vision supports their school performance, sports, and screen use.

Is Screen Time Affecting My Child’s Eyes

Yes—screen time matters. Research shows too much digital device use can increase the risk of:

  • Myopia (nearsightedness)
  • Dry eyes and irritation
  • Eye strain and fatigue

We recommend:

  • Following the 20-20-20 Rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
  • Encouraging 1 hour of outdoor play daily to reduce digital eye strain

Could My Child Need Glasses Even If They Don’t Say Anything?

Absolutely. Many kids:

  • Don’t realize their vision is blurry
  • Compensate by sitting close to screens or books
  • Exhibit behavioral changes that stem from undetected vision issues

If you or your partner wear glasses, there’s a higher chance your child will need vision correction too. Early exams help catch problems before they affect learning or confidence.

Is Dr. Reid’s Office Kid-Friendly?

Yes! Located inside LensCrafters at the Mall of Georgia, our office is designed to feel calm, welcoming, and easy to navigate—especially for kids and parents.

Our team is trained in making children feel comfortable and clearly explaining every step of the exam process. We specialize in family eye care in Buford GA with a personal touch.

Why Buford Families Choose Dr. Bruce E. Reid & Associates

  • Over 20 years of trusted care
  • Convenient location near the Mall of Georgia
  • Same-day and flexible appointments often available
  • Friendly, efficient team focused on kids and families
  • Access to contact lenses and eyewear via LensCrafters

Serving Buford and Surrounding Communities

We proudly provide eye exams and contact lens services to patients in:

  • Buford
  • Sugar Hill
  • Flowery Branch
  • Mall of Georgia area and beyond

Whether your child is preparing for their first exam or you're simply due for an annual checkup, we’re here to help.

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

Make vision care easy for your family. Book your child’s next eye exam with the trusted team at Dr. Bruce E. Reid & Associates—your local Buford optometrist near the Mall of Georgia.

Schedule online or call our office today!