Children’s Eye Doctor in Hazleton
As a parent, you do everything possible to keep your child happy, healthy, and thriving. That includes ensuring their vision is clear and their eyes are developing properly. At our practice, we know that a trip to the eye doctor can feel overwhelming for little ones, which is why Dr. Paul R. Montague takes a warm, friendly approach to make every visit comfortable and stress-free.
The Importance of Eye Care for Children
Did you know that 1 in 4 children have an undiagnosed vision problem? Because kids may not realize they aren’t seeing clearly, regular eye exams are the best way to catch and correct vision issues early.
Clear vision is essential for:
- Learning and Reading: 80% of classroom learning happens through vision.
- Hand-Eye Coordination: Good eyesight helps with sports and daily activities.
- Confidence and Social Development: Poor vision can impact self-esteem and participation in school.
Many childhood vision issues, like lazy eye (amblyopia) or crossed eyes (strabismus), are easier to treat when caught early.
Warning Signs of kids' Vision Problems
Children may not always express vision problems—they assume everyone sees the way they do. Here are some common signs your child may need an eye exam:
- Squinting or covering one eye
- Frequent eye rubbing or blinking
- Sitting too close to screens or holding books too close
- Tilting their head to see better
- Difficulty recognizing letters, numbers, or shapes
- Complaints of headaches or eye strain
- Struggling with coordination in sports or play
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to schedule a pediatric eye exam with Dr. Paul in Hazleton.
How We Make Pediatric Eye Exams Fun
Dr. Paul understands kids need a gentle, patient, and fun approach to eye care. Our pediatric eye exams are designed to be stress-free and engaging, helping children feel comfortable while checking their vision and eye health.
During your child’s eye exam, we will:
- Check Visual Acuity: Ensure your child sees clearly at different distances.
- Identify if Glasses are Needed: Test for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
- Screen for Eye Conditions: Look for lazy eye (amblyopia), crossed eyes (strabismus), and other concerns.
- Evaluate Eye Coordination: Test how well the eyes work together for reading and focus.
- Make the Visit Fun: Dr. Paul takes his time and uses child-friendly techniques to keep exams light and enjoyable.
Parents are encouraged to ask questions, and exams can be conducted in English or Spanish to ensure full cooperation.
How Often Should Kids Get an Eye Exam?
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends the following schedule for your child’s eye exams:
- Age 3: First eye exam to check for early vision development.
- Ages 5-6: Before starting school to ensure vision isn’t affecting learning.
- Ages 7-18: Every year or more often if vision problems are present.
Children with glasses, contact lenses, or eye conditions may need more frequent check-ups.
Myopia Management with MiSight®
Does your child have nearsightedness (myopia)? We offer MiSight® 1-day contact lenses, an FDA-approved treatment to slow myopia progression in children.
MiSight® lenses are designed specifically for children (ages 8-12) to control myopia progression while providing clear vision throughout the day.
The earlier myopia is managed, the better the long-term outcome! Ask Dr. Paul about whether MiSight® is right for your child.
Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam
Your child’s vision shapes their learning, confidence, and future—let’s make sure they get the best care possible. No appointment? No problem! We offer walk-in services, so you can stop by when it’s convenient for you. Whether it’s your child’s first eye exam or a routine check-up, we are here to provide expert care for young eyes.