Pediatric Eye Care in Saratoga Springs, NY
At Saratoga Vision, we believe every child deserves a clear, healthy start to their visual journey. Our pediatric eye care services are designed to detect vision problems early — when treatment is most effective — and provide a warm, comfortable experience for young patients of every age. From infant screenings to school-age exams, our optometrists are trained to assess children’s eye health with age-appropriate, kid-friendly techniques. Call us at (518) 587-5900 to schedule your child’s eye exam in Saratoga Springs, NY today.
Book OnlineWhy Children’s Eye Exams Are Essential
Many vision problems in children go undetected because children often don’t realize their vision is different from what others see — it’s simply the only vision they’ve ever known. Poor eyesight can affect reading, learning, hand-eye coordination, sports performance, and even behavior. The American Optometric Association recommends that children receive eye exams at specific developmental milestones to ensure their eyes are developing as they should.
At Saratoga Vision, we are proud members of the InfantSEE® program, which provides a complimentary comprehensive eye assessment for babies between 6 and 12 months of age. This early screening allows us to catch and address refractive errors, eye misalignment, and other conditions before they impact your child’s development.
Recommended Pediatric Eye Exam Schedule
First Exam: 6 Months
The American Optometric Association recommends that infants receive their first comprehensive eye evaluation at 6 months of age. At this stage, we assess whether your baby’s eyes are developing normally, checking for basic focusing ability, eye alignment, and any signs of refractive error. Our baby-friendly testing methods ensure a calm, stress-free experience for both parent and child.
Second Exam: Age 3
By age three, children should have their next comprehensive eye exam. Preschoolers don’t need to know their letters or numbers for this evaluation — we use specialized charts and tools designed specifically for young children. This exam checks for amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), color vision deficiencies, and early signs of refractive conditions like myopia and hyperopia.
Third Exam: Ages 5 to 6
It is critical that children receive an eye exam just before starting first grade. Poor vision can significantly affect a child’s ability to read, write, and participate in classroom activities. Many children who struggle academically are found to have undetected vision problems. An exam at this age ensures that your child enters school with the visual tools they need to succeed.
Ongoing Care: Ages 7 to 18
Once your child reaches school age, the frequency of their exams depends on whether they require vision correction. Children without glasses or contacts should have an eye exam every two years. Those who wear prescription eyewear should be seen annually, as prescriptions can change rapidly during the growing years. We also monitor for the progression of myopia (nearsightedness), which is increasingly common in school-age children.
Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Exam
Parents and teachers are often the first to notice signs of vision problems in children. If your child exhibits any of the following, schedule an appointment with Saratoga Vision as soon as possible:
- Squinting or closing one eye to see clearly
- Sitting very close to the TV or holding books close to their face
- Frequent headaches or eye rubbing
- Difficulty concentrating in school or avoiding reading
- One eye turning in or out (strabismus)
- Complaints of blurry or double vision
- Sensitivity to light or excessive tearing
- Poor hand-eye coordination or balance
Early intervention is key. Many conditions — including amblyopia — respond much better to treatment when identified before the age of seven or eight. Contact our office at (518) 587-5900 if you have any concerns about your child’s eyesight.
Pediatric Vision Services We Offer
In addition to routine pediatric eye exams, Saratoga Vision offers a range of specialized services to support your child’s long-term visual health:
- Myopia Control — Treatments to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children and reduce the risk of high myopia in adulthood
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) — Custom overnight lenses that gently reshape the cornea, allowing kids to see clearly without daytime glasses or contacts
- Vision Therapy — Customized programs that improve visual skills, eye coordination, and processing for children with learning-related vision problems
- Contact Lens Fittings — Age-appropriate contact lens options for teens and older children ready to transition from glasses
- Children’s Eyewear — Durable, stylish frames designed for active kids
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Eye Care
At what age should my child have their first eye exam?
The American Optometric Association recommends that babies receive their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months of age. At Saratoga Vision, we offer free infant eye screenings through the InfantSEE® program for babies between 6 and 12 months. After that, exams are recommended at age 3, again before starting first grade, and then every one to two years depending on whether your child needs vision correction.
How can I tell if my child has a vision problem?
Children often don’t complain about vision problems because they assume everyone sees the same way they do. Watch for signs such as squinting, sitting close to screens, frequent headaches, difficulty reading, one eye turning in or out, or poor hand-eye coordination. If you notice any of these behaviors in your child, schedule an eye exam at Saratoga Vision promptly. Early detection leads to better outcomes.
What is the InfantSEE® program?
InfantSEE® is a public health program that provides a one-time, no-cost comprehensive eye assessment for infants between 6 and 12 months of age, regardless of the family’s income or insurance status. As a member practice, Saratoga Vision participates in this program to ensure that every baby in Saratoga Springs, NY gets a critical early vision check. Call us at (518) 587-5900 to schedule your infant’s free screening.
Does my child need to know the alphabet for an eye exam?
No. Our optometrists use special charts and tools specifically designed for pre-readers and young children who do not yet know their letters or numbers. Pediatric eye exams use symbols, shapes, or the “tumbling E” chart so that even toddlers can participate in vision testing. We also use objective techniques that don’t require any verbal responses from your child.
What is amblyopia and how is it treated?
Amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye, occurs when one eye develops weaker vision than the other, often because the brain begins to favor the stronger eye. It is most commonly caused by strabismus (eye misalignment) or a significant difference in prescription between the two eyes. Treatment is most effective when started early — typically before age 7 or 8 — and may include prescription glasses, patching the stronger eye, or vision therapy. Our team at Saratoga Vision screens for amblyopia at every pediatric exam.
Can children wear contact lenses?
Yes, many children — particularly teenagers — are excellent candidates for contact lenses. Readiness depends more on maturity and hygiene habits than age alone. We offer contact lens fittings for children who are responsible enough to care for their lenses properly, as well as specialty Ortho-K lenses that are worn only at night. Our optometrists will evaluate whether contacts are appropriate for your child and provide thorough training on safe wear and care.
My child was just diagnosed with myopia. What should I do?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is one of the most common vision conditions in children today, and its prevalence is growing. The good news is that there are proven treatments to slow its progression. At Saratoga Vision, our myopia control program offers options such as specialty contact lenses, atropine eye drops, and Ortho-K to reduce how quickly your child’s prescription increases over time. Schedule a myopia control consultation today by calling (518) 587-5900.