Children's eye exam

A proper children's eye exam includes tests for depth perception, eye teaming, convergence as well as acuity

The following tests should be included in a comprehensive vision exam:

  • A thorough patient history, including general health and developmental history.
  • A measurement of how clearly the patient can see in the distance and up close (visual acuity, e.g. 20/20)
  • A measurement of the presence of any refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism)
  • An assessment of eye focusing, eye teaming, and eye movement abilities (accommodation, binocular vision, ocular motility)
  • An examination of the health of the eyes
  • a test of 3D vision and depth perception (stereopsis)

Testing visual development in a child's eye examination

Depending on the results of these evaluations, additional tests of visual development and visual perceptual abilities may be needed to effectively assess a patient's total visual status.

Parents should raise learning problems during their child's eye exam

Any reading or learning difficulties experienced by you or your child should be brought to the attention of the doctor. Somtimes learning problems are actually treatable vision problems that can present obstacles to effective learning or reading. One example is convergence insufficiency, which affects the ability of of the eyes to do near work, such as reading.

It is possible that a child can be labled as having a learning disability, when the real problem is vision related and treatable.


Once testing is completed, the doctor should review all findings with the patient or parent and provide consultation and recommendations regarding any needed treatment.

It's amazing what can happen in an children's eye exam

Hannah was diagnosed with amblyopia during a routine eye exam

A routine eye exam at age 3 found that Kelly's eye was not working properly.

See Dr. Randhawa

To book an appointment with Dr. Randhawa, please book online or call Perspective Optomterty Vancouver at (604) 435-EYE1.