Kids' eyes change quickly, and problems caught early are far easier to manage. Dr. Rebecca Sparks, our Andover eye doctor at Sparks Eye Care, sees children from infancy through high school, offering routine eye exams, contact lens fittings, and myopia management. If your child needs vision therapy, Dr. Sparks will connect you with the right specialist.
Pediatric Eye Care in Andover, Kansas
When to Bring Your Child in for an Eye Exam
Not all vision problems show up in school screenings. Here is a general guide for parents:
- Infancy and toddlers: Dr. Sparks sees infants and young children when there is a specific concern, such as an eye that turns, a family history of amblyopia or strabismus, or a pediatrician referral.
- Age 3 to 5: The first routine eye exam is recommended around this age, before school starts. Many children cannot yet read the chart, so Dr. Sparks uses picture-based and objective testing that does not require a verbal response.
- School age through high school: Annual exams are recommended, or more often if your child is in myopia management or has a known vision condition. If your child is squinting, sitting close to screens, or getting headaches after reading, schedule sooner.
When in doubt, follow your pediatrician's advice. A short exam is always worth it for peace of mind.
What a Child's Eye Exam Looks Like at Sparks Eye Care
- Age-appropriate chart or picture testing for younger kids.
- Cover test and eye tracking to check for turns or lazy eye.
- Retinoscopy to measure the prescription without relying on a verbal response.
- Slit-lamp exam of the front of the eye.
- Retinal imaging when possible at the child's age.
- Color vision and depth perception screening.
- Contact lens fitting and training if requested.
- A clear explanation of findings in plain language for parents.
Myopia Management in Andover
Myopia (nearsightedness) often starts in elementary school and can progress steadily through the teen years. A stronger prescription each year is not just a glasses issue. High myopia raises the long-term risk of retinal problems, glaucoma, and early cataracts. Slowing progression while a child is still growing can meaningfully reduce that lifetime risk.
MiSight® Contact Lenses for Myopia Management
MiSight® 1 day is an FDA-approved daily soft contact lens designed to slow myopia progression in children. It uses a dual-focus design to correct vision and reduce the stimulus that drives the eye to grow longer. Dr. Sparks fits MiSight® in-office and teaches kids how to handle the lenses themselves. Most children adapt quickly.
Vision Therapy Referrals
If the exam reveals a condition like convergence insufficiency, amblyopia, or a tracking problem that benefits from vision therapy, Dr. Sparks will refer your child to a trusted vision therapy provider. A comprehensive eye exam is the starting point for catching those issues early.
What to Expect at Your Child's Appointment
Most pediatric exams take 30 to 45 minutes. Younger children may take a bit longer. Here is the general flow:
- Health and vision history with the parent or guardian.
- Preliminary testing: acuity, cover test, eye tracking, and color vision.
- Refraction using objective methods that do not require the child to read letters.
- Retinal and optic nerve assessment.
- Dilated exam when indicated for age or risk factors.
- Review with parent: findings, prescription if needed, and any follow-up plan.
Dilation takes about 20 minutes to work and causes light sensitivity and blur for a few hours. Plan accordingly if your child has school or activities after the visit. See our hours and location page to plan your visit.
Related Services at Sparks Eye Care
A full eye health exam for every member of the family, covering vision, eye health, and early signs of disease.
Contact lens fittings for daily, monthly, toric, and multifocal lenses, including first-time wearers.
Dry eye and surface irritation are common concerns Dr. Sparks addresses at Sparks Eye Care. Learn about our evaluation and management options.
Questions Parents Ask About Pediatric Eye Care
The first routine exam is typically recommended around age 3 to 5, before the child starts school. If there is a family history of amblyopia, strabismus, or high myopia, or if the pediatrician flags a concern, we can see younger children as needed.
We use picture charts and objective methods like retinoscopy, which measures how the eye focuses without needing a verbal response. Children do not need to name letters to get an accurate prescription from Dr. Sparks.
MiSight® 1 day is an FDA-approved daily soft contact lens designed to slow myopia progression in children ages 8 to 12. Dr. Sparks will assess your child's prescription, age, and motivation during the exam to see if MiSight® is a good fit. Many families ask about it by name.
Annually for most school-age children. Kids in myopia management or who have amblyopia, strabismus, or another active condition come in more often, typically every 6 months. Follow Dr. Sparks's recommendation after the first exam.
Dilation is often recommended for children, especially on the first visit or when checking for amblyopia or significant refractive error. It allows a thorough view of the retina and optic nerve. Plan for about 4 hours of light sensitivity and blurry near vision afterward.
Give Your Child a Clear Start.
Dr. Sparks sees kids of all ages at Sparks Eye Care in Andover. Book a pediatric eye exam and leave knowing exactly where your child's vision stands.