A representative from the Dallas County Health Department speaks on how crucial it is to see the eye doctor.

Community Health Educator Natalie Peters indicates that adults should schedule eye exams every two years, but can be more frequent based on doctor recommendations. She says children should get their first eye exam between six and 12 months of age, the second one between 3-5 years old, then a final time as a teenager (specifically 16-17 years of age). Peters elaborates the areas of interest during a children’s examination.

“A doctor may perform a vision test that would indicate if they would need glasses, they might observe their eye movements, test their pupil responses to light and test their eye pressure. And some doctors might dilate their eyes to get a more thorough look, so just check with your office ahead of time, so you can be prepared with sunglasses and things like that if that’s the case.”

Peters describes that eye exams are critical to children as it affects physical, cognitive, and social development. She provides examples of the struggles of having poor vision.

“It can make it difficult to read or see the board in class. It can limit their eye-hand coordination, and then it can make it harder for them to pick up on social cues like facial expressions, which are important for connecting with others and building friendships.”

Peters acknowledges that people need to check with their insurance about the different eye services that are covered prior to booking an appointment.