Pediatric Eye Exams for Kids in Manhattan: Supporting Healthy Growth and Development

As parents, we want to give our children every opportunity to succeed—from their first steps to their first day of school and beyond. But one aspect of their development that often goes overlooked is their vision. Good eyesight is essential for learning, socializing, and exploring the world. At Drs. Farkas, Kassalow, Resnick & Associates, we’re committed to providing comprehensive pediatric eye exams in Manhattan to ensure your child’s vision is on the right track.

 

The Importance of Early Eye Exams

Many vision problems begin in early childhood, often before kids can even express that something is wrong. Conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, lazy eye (amblyopia), and eye coordination issues can go unnoticed if a child has never had a proper eye exam. Unfortunately, many children adapt to blurry or strained vision, assuming it’s normal—until it starts to affect their reading, concentration, or even their confidence. Routine visits to our eye doctor on the Upper East Side can catch these issues early, allowing for treatment that can make a lasting impact on your child’s vision and development.
 

When Should Your Child Have an Eye Exam?

The American Optometric Association recommends:

  • First exam at 6 months old – This ensures that the eyes are developing properly.

  • Another exam at age 3 – At this stage, we can assess basic vision skills and eye coordination.

  • Before starting school (around age 5-6) – Clear vision is essential for learning and reading.

  • Every year after that – Regular check-ups help track any changes and provide early intervention if needed.
     

Even if your child passed a vision screening at school or the pediatrician’s office, these screenings are not a substitute for a full eye exam. A comprehensive pediatric eye exam goes beyond reading letters on a chart—it evaluates depth perception, tracking, focusing, and overall eye health.
 

What to Expect During a Pediatric Eye Exam

Our goal is to make the exam process comfortable and stress-free for your child. At our Manhattan eye care office, we use kid-friendly techniques and specialized equipment to assess vision without relying on verbal responses. Some of the key areas we evaluate include:

  • Visual acuity (clarity of vision)

  • Eye alignment and muscle function

  • Depth perception

  • Color vision

  • Eye health, including screening for conditions like amblyopia or strabismus
     

If glasses are needed, we’ll guide you and your child through the best options to support their vision and lifestyle.
 

Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Exam Sooner

While routine exams are important, there are some signs that indicate your child may need to see our eye doctor in Manhattan sooner rather than later:

  • Frequent squinting or rubbing their eyes

  • Complaints of headaches or tired eyes

  • Holding books or screens too close

  • Difficulty reading or losing their place

  • Avoiding activities that require close-up focus, like drawing or puzzles

  • Misaligned or wandering eyes
     

If you notice any of these behaviors, scheduling an eye exam as soon as possible can help address potential issues before they become bigger challenges.
 

Prioritizing Your Child’s Eye Health on the Upper East Side

At Drs. Farkas, Kassalow, Resnick & Associates, we understand that a child’s vision is an important part of their overall growth and success. Whether it’s their first eye exam or they need a routine check-up, we are here to provide expert, compassionate care.
 

Give your child the best start by prioritizing their vision health today. Schedule a pediatric eye exam with our eye doctors in Manhattan. Contact Drs. Farkas, Kassalow, Resnick & Associates by calling (212) 355-5145 to book an appointment today.