Pediatric Eye Exams in Cedar Park, TX

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.

Address

14005 Research Blvd, Suite 100-B, Cedar Park, TX 78717

Hours

Mon, Tue, Thu–Sat
Walk-ins welcome

Doctor

Dr. Dominica Dzakah
Accepting new patients

Pediatric Eye Exams

A child who passed last year’s school screening can still need glasses this year. Vision changes quickly at school age, which is why our Cedar Park office sees a steady stream of routine pediatric exams every fall before classes begin. It’s worth a quick read through the back-to-school essentials many parents skip before you assume last year’s results still hold.

80%

of classroom learning is visual

1 in 4

school-age children have a vision problem affecting learning

75%

of significant vision problems missed by school screenings

How vision affects learning at every age

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. Our Cedar Park back-to-school eye exams guide covers what to watch for before the school year starts.

Signs your child may need an exam

Sitting unusually close to the TV or holding books too close to their face.
Frequent headaches, eye rubbing, or tired eyes after reading or screen time.
Losing their place while reading, or using a finger to track lines of text.
Squinting, tilting their head, or covering one eye to see better.
Avoiding reading or activities they used to enjoy.
Struggling in school despite trying hard, especially with reading or copying from the board.
One eye that appears to drift, cross, or turn outward.

Conditions we screen for in every diabetic exam

Nearsightedness (Myopia)

difficulty seeing the board at school

Farsightedness (Hyperopia)

difficulty seeing up close; reading struggles

Astigmatism

blurred or distorted vision at all distances

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

one eye weaker than the other; treatment window closes around age 7–9

Strabismus

eyes that don't align properly

Eye coordination and focusing problems

not caught by standard school screenings

Color vision deficiency

identified early so school accommodations can be made

What makes this different

School screening vs. full exam comparison

School Screening

Checks distance vision only. Misses farsightedness, focusing difficulty, eye coordination problems, amblyopia, and color vision deficiency. Up to 75% of significant vision problems go undetected.

Master Eye Pediatric Exam

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.

Recommended exam schedule

1

Age 6–12 months

First comprehensive baseline exam. Catches conditions like amblyopia early when treatment is most effective.

2

Ages 3–5

Second exam before starting school. Identifies problems that could affect kindergarten readiness before they create learning gaps.

3

Before kindergarten

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.

4

Annually after that

Yearly exams through childhood and adolescence. Myopia in particular progresses faster in school-age kids than at any other stage of life.

Ready to protect your vision?

Walk-ins welcome · same-day often available · most insurance accepted

Insurance block

Pediatric eye exams are typically billed as vision visits and covered under most vision insurance plans. Many plans cover one comprehensive exam per year for children with a $0 or low copay.

Meet the doctor

Board-certified optometric care at Round Rock

DD

Dr. Dominica Dzakah

Accepting new patients

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions patients ask before booking

At what age should my child have their first eye exam?

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.

My child passed their school vision screening. Do they still need a full exam?

Yes. School screenings only test distance vision and miss many common problems, including focusing and eye coordination issues that can significantly affect learning.

How long does a pediatric eye exam take?

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.

What if my child doesn’t know their letters yet?

We use picture-based and play-based testing for toddlers and young children who aren’t reading yet. No letters required.

Will my child’s eyes need to be dilated?

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.

Specific FAQ

Can your Cedar Park office complete school or sports vision forms?

Yes, our doctors can fill out and sign school or sports vision forms during a comprehensive exam. Call 512-257-7070 to ask about your specific form before arriving.