At The Center for Vision Development in Austin, we know that scheduling an eye exam for your child - especially if they’re struggling in school, showing unusual symptoms, or have developmental differences - can feel overwhelming. Parents often come to us unsure what to expect, what type of eye exam their child needs, or whether the process will be too much for them.
This guide answers the most common questions we hear from families and walks you through exactly what happens during our developmental and pediatric vision exams.
What’s the easiest way to book an exam for my child?
Booking a visit is simple. Just submit the appointment request form on our website.
Once received, our team reviews it, sends you a text with available time slots for a consultation, and - after you choose the one that works best—confirms the appointment. You’ll also receive new patient forms to complete ahead of time to help us tailor the exam to your child.
What happens on the day of my child’s exam?
When you arrive, you’ll check in at the front desk and our team will review your child’s detailed history form. The full exam typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours, and while most families complete it in one visit, you’re welcome to split it into two shorter days if preferred.
Your child will meet with both the doctor and a trained vision therapist. Depending on the case, dilation may be needed; if so, we’ll let you know beforehand. This visit is focused entirely on gathering accurate, comprehensive data—no results are discussed that day. Afterward, we’ll schedule a follow-up consultation where you’ll receive a full explanation of findings and recommendations.
How is a child’s exam different from an adult exam?
Children’s exams are uniquely designed around developmental and academic needs. For kids with learning or school-related concerns, we assess areas such as:
- Visual processing
- Visual memory
- Sequencing
- Eye teaming and tracking
- Reading-related visual skills
While adults are also tested for acuity, alignment, teaming, and peripheral vision, their evaluations often center around symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or double vision.
For children who are very young, nonverbal, or developmentally delayed, we modify testing using pictures, matching, observation, and objective tools to make the exam accessible and accurate.
What is the parent feedback appointment like?
After the exam, our eye doctor and assistant spend about two hours compiling the results, diagnoses, and recommendations into a detailed report. You’ll then attend a one-hour consultation, usually led by our experienced therapist Jenna Arnold unless the case warrants meeting directly with a doctor.
During this visit, we review every part of your child’s results, outline whether treatment or vision therapy is recommended, and discuss next steps.
What questions or concerns do parents usually have?
Before and during the exam, parents often ask about:
- Whether CVD is the best fit for their child’s specific symptoms
- How vision problems might relate to learning or behavior
- The structure and length of the exam
- Financials, scheduling, and what to expect afterward
We address these questions upfront so families feel comfortable and confident moving forward.
What symptoms do parents commonly notice in their children?
Parents frequently report that their child:
- Reads below grade level
- Is bright but struggles academically
- Takes unusually long to finish schoolwork
- Needs significant homework help
- Has difficulty remembering or comprehending what they read
- Reverses letters or numbers
- Rubs their eyes or blinks excessively
- Complains less verbally but shows signs of headaches
- Avoids reading or becomes upset about how long reading will take
These symptoms often point to functional vision problems that traditional eye exams may overlook.
How do you help kids feel comfortable during the exam and vision therapy?
Our office is intentionally designed to feel welcoming and kid-friendly. Before your visit, we note your child’s interests so we can personalize the experience. We offer:
- Cozy, home-like furniture and child-sized workspaces
- Coloring pages, toys, puzzles, and books
- Therapists who speak directly to the child, explain tasks gently, and allow breaks
- Stickers, prizes, treasure boxes, and reward charts
- A playful environment that celebrates effort and progress
We also host fun events like coloring contests and costume days, and - with permission - display photos so kids feel a sense of belonging in our therapy community.
How do you test nonverbal, autistic, developmentally delayed, or very young children?
Children do not need to speak, know letters, or sit perfectly still to be evaluated.
We use objective testing such as:
- Picture charts
- Matching and pointing activities
- Observations of visual behaviors
- Tools designed for infants and toddlers
The exam is always adapted to the child’s developmental level, and early assessment is especially beneficial for these populations.
Will the testing be too much for my child?
Not at all. Our team is highly experienced in working with sensitive, anxious, or easily fatigued children. We never push a child beyond what they can tolerate.
We offer:
- Frequent breaks
- The option to split testing over multiple days
- Ending early and rescheduling if needed
- Incorporating testing into early therapy sessions if attention is limited
Your child’s emotional and physical comfort always comes first.
Do you offer regular kids’ eye exams too?
Yes. We provide both developmental evaluations and comprehensive primary care pediatric exams, including myopia management. For families whose insurance requires a basic exam through a provider panel, we can coordinate care while still offering developmental services when needed.
Routine exams for siblings or as second opinions are also available.
What if I’m not sure whether my child needs a full exam? Is there a screening option?
Yes - many families start with our 30-minute screening with a trained therapist.
This screening checks for key indicators of functional vision issues. If concerns are found, the therapist and doctor may recommend a full evaluation.
Ready to schedule your child’s exam?
You can request an appointment anytime: Book eye care appointment now.
We look forward to helping your child see, learn, and thrive.
