More than 80% of classroom learning is visual. Our pediatric eye exams check far more than whether your child can read a chart — and most kids are in and out in 45 minutes.
10515 N. Mopac Expy., Suite 115, Austin, TX 78759
Mon, Tue, Thu–Sat
Walk-ins welcome
Dr. William Matthews
Accepting new patients
of classroom learning is visual
school-age children have a vision problem affecting learning
of significant vision problems missed by school screenings
When a child struggles to see the board, read a book, or track a line of text, the problem is rarely effort — it’s usually vision. The challenge is that many children don’t know they’re not seeing clearly because they’ve never experienced anything different. They assume everyone sees the way they do.
A child who passed last year’s school screening can still need glasses this year. Vision changes fast at this age, and many problems — farsightedness, focusing difficulty, eye coordination issues — never show up on a hallway chart.
difficulty seeing the board at school
difficulty seeing up close; reading struggles
blurred or distorted vision at all distances
one eye weaker than the other; treatment window closes around age 7–9
eyes that don't align properly
not caught by standard school screenings
identified early so school accommodations can be made
Tests distance and near vision, eye coordination, focusing ability, color vision, and overall eye health. Picture-based testing for pre-readers. 30–45 minutes. Doctors can sign school or sports vision forms on the spot.
First comprehensive baseline exam. Catches conditions like amblyopia early when treatment is most effective.
Second exam before starting school. Identifies problems that could affect kindergarten readiness before they create learning gaps.
Third exam even if the first two looked fine. Vision changes quickly in early childhood — a clean exam at age 3 doesn’t guarantee everything is fine at age 5.
Yearly exams through childhood and adolescence. Myopia in particular progresses faster in school-age kids than at any other stage of life.
Accepting new patients
Most eye doctors recommend a first exam around 6 to 12 months, again between ages 3 and 5, and again before starting kindergarten — then every year after that.
Yes. School screenings only test distance vision and miss many common problems, including focusing and eye coordination issues that can significantly affect learning.
Most pediatric exams take 30 to 45 minutes depending on your child’s age and how the testing goes. We always go at the child’s pace.
We use picture-based and play-based testing for toddlers and young children who aren’t reading yet. No letters required.
Yes. If your child needs glasses, our optical team carries a selection of kids’ frames built for comfort and durability, and we’ll help them find a pair they’ll actually want to wear.
Yes, we see children starting around age 1 using age-appropriate picture-based testing rather than a standard letter chart. Call 512-345-7290 to book.