Your child’s vision plays an important role in how they learn, focus, and interact with the world around them. At Dr. Estrada's Optometry office we start seeing children from 3 years old and up. We support healthy visual development. We also aim for clear, comfortable vision for your child.
Eye Care That Supports Your Child's Vision & Development
Pediatric Eye Care in Salinas: Supporting Healthy Vision Early
Children do not always recognize when something is wrong with their vision. They may adapt without realizing they are not seeing clearly, which can affect learning and daily activities.
Eye exams starting at age three help us find vision problems early and track your child’s eye development over time. Early care helps prevent small issues from becoming more serious concerns later on.
What We Check During Your Child’s Eye Exam
Your child’s exam is thorough while remaining simple and comfortable. We use age-appropriate methods to evaluate both vision and eye health.
During the exam, we check:
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How clearly your child sees at different distances
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How their eyes focus and work together
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Early signs of nearsightedness (myopia)
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Eye alignment and tracking
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Overall eye health and development
Each step is explained clearly so you understand what we are seeing and how it may affect your child.
Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Exam
Children do not always say when something feels off, but there are signs parents can watch for:
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Squinting or covering one eye
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Sitting very close to screens or holding books too close
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Frequent headaches
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Rubbing their eyes often
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Difficulty focusing in school
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Avoiding reading or close-up work
If you have noticed any of these signs, it is worth having their eyes checked.
Vision & Learning Go Hand in Hand
Clear vision is essential for learning. If your child is having difficulty seeing the board, focusing on reading, or staying engaged in class, it may not be a learning issue. It could be related to their vision.
By finding and treating vision problems early, you can help your child feel more confident. You can also improve your child’s focus. This can support better performance at school. It can also help with your child's daily activities.
Is Your Child’s Prescription Getting Worse Each Year?
Nearsightedness, or myopia, often worsens as your child grows. Many parents notice their child needs stronger glasses each year. They may not know myopia can keep getting worse. Over time, it can raise the risk of eye health problems.
Glasses can help your child see clearly, but they do not slow these changes. Without the right care, myopia can get worse over time. This can raise the risk of serious eye problems later in life.
Early management allows you to slow that progression and protect your child’s vision as they grow. If you are worried about your child’s changing prescription, read about our Myopia Management options. Learn how we can support their long-term eye health.
Schedule Your Child’s Next Eye Exam with Dr Joseph J. Estrada, O.D.
If you have noticed changes in your child’s vision or it has been a while since their last exam, now is the time to take a closer look. A simple visit can help prevent small issues from affecting their learning, confidence, and daily life.