Kids’ Eye Exams in Vancouver & Camas: What Parents Should Know

Healthy vision is key to how children learn, play, and connect with the world. Here’s what families in Vancouver and Camas should know about keeping young eyes healthy — from school readiness to screen habits.

If you’re raising kids in Southwest Washington, you already know how busy family life can get. Between school, sports, and all that screen time, it’s easy for eye exams to slip to the bottom of the list. But here’s the thing — children’s eyes are constantly developing, and undiagnosed vision problems can affect everything from reading and attention span to coordination and confidence.

Why Early Eye Exams Matter

Kids don’t always realize when they can’t see clearly. Many parents assume school vision screenings are enough, but those tests often miss early signs of focusing problems, lazy eye (amblyopia), or depth perception issues. Comprehensive eye exams go beyond reading letters — they assess how a child’s eyes work together and how well their visual system supports learning and play.

At Downtown Vision Centre in Vancouver and Camas Vision Centre, our optometrists take time to understand each child’s needs. We tailor exams for age, attention span, and developmental stage — from gentle InfantSEE® exams for babies to school-age evaluations that check reading readiness and screen-related eye strain.

Local Lifestyle, Local Eyes

Kids in Clark County spend more time on devices than ever — from tablets in classrooms to gaming at home. According to recent health data, the average child in the Vancouver-Camas area logs four to six hours of screen time daily, contributing to an uptick in digital eye strain and myopia (nearsightedness). Combine that with our region’s long, overcast winters — which limit outdoor time — and you have a recipe for vision fatigue.

The good news? Regular eye exams can catch these issues early. Our clinics offer myopia management treatments like MiSight® lenses and ortho‑k therapy, which help slow nearsightedness progression and support long-term eye health.

What to Expect During a Children’s Eye Exam

Whether it’s your child’s first visit or just their annual check-in, we make sure the experience is friendly, stress-free, and tailored to your child’s age. At Downtown Vision Centre and Camas Vision Centre, we’re known for our gentle approach and deep patience — especially with little ones or kids who may be nervous.

Here’s what a typical pediatric exam includes:

• Visual acuity testing (near and far)
• Eye tracking and coordination checks
• Depth perception and peripheral vision
• Refraction testing to determine if glasses are needed
• Health checks for the eye’s internal structures

If your child needs glasses, we have a wide selection of durable, stylish kids’ frames and opticians who know how to find a fit that won’t slide down during recess.

How Vision Therapy Can Help Your Child

And if your child needs more than glasses — such as vision therapy or support for visual processing challenges — we’ll talk you through it clearly and compassionately. Many families in Camas and Vancouver are surprised by how much vision therapy can improve reading speed, attention, and even sports performance.

Why Families in Vancouver & Camas Trust Us with Their Children’s Eyes

We’re proud to serve Southwest Washington’s families with care that feels personal. Many of our patients are neighbors, friends, teachers, and local business owners — and we take that trust seriously. Whether you’re raising toddlers in Fisher’s Landing or driving in from Washougal for your tween’s checkup, we’re here to support your child’s lifelong vision journey.

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam With Us

Annual kids’ eye exams aren’t just about catching problems — they’re about setting your child up for confidence, comfort, and success in school and beyond. At Downtown Vision Centre and Camas Vision Centre, we offer convenient scheduling and a kind, kid-friendly team that makes eye care easy for your whole family.

Schedule your child’s next eye exam in Vancouver or Camas to get started

FAQs About Kids’ Eye Exams in Vancouver & Camas

Q: At what age should my child have their first eye exam?
A: We recommend a baby’s first exam between 6 and 12 months of age through the InfantSEE® program — and again at age 3, then annually once they start school.

Q: Does my child need an exam if they passed a school screening?
A: Yes. School screenings check basic vision but miss many important areas like eye teaming, tracking, and overall eye health.

Q: Are pediatric eye exams covered by insurance?
A: In most cases, yes. We accept a wide range of vision plans and will help you understand what’s covered before your visit.

Q: How can I tell if my child might need glasses?
A: Watch for signs like squinting, frequent eye rubbing, avoiding reading, or complaints of headaches. But many kids show no signs — another reason annual exams are key.

Q: What makes your practice different for kids?
A: Our team takes extra time to build trust with young patients. We specialize in kid-specific services like myopia management, vision therapy, and gentle first-time exams — all in a welcoming, no-pressure environment.