How Do I Choose the Right Eye Doctor for My Child?

Finding the right eye doctor for your child can feel overwhelming and stressful — especially when you’re trying to understand the difference between providers, what makes a practice “kid-friendly,” and how to know your child will be comfortable and in good hands.

This guide walks you through the essential questions parents ask when choosing a children’s eye doctor — making it easier to understand what to look for, why it matters, and how to ultimately make the best decision for your family.

Does My Child Need an Eye Doctor — or Is a Pediatrician’s Vision Check Enough?

Are pediatric vision screenings the same as a real eye exam?

No. Pediatricians and school screenings catch obvious issues, but they don’t evaluate deeper eye-health concerns — like how the eyes focus, track, or work together. They also can’t detect early signs of medical eye conditions.

Why might a child need a full eye exam?

Children don’t always know their vision is “off,” because blurry or strained vision may feel normal to them. A comprehensive exam checks:

• Eye alignment
• Focusing ability
• Depth perception
• Eye-health problems
• Early refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism)

If my child isn’t complaining, should I still book an appointment?

Yes. Many kids compensate without realizing it — by sitting close to screens, tilting their head, or avoiding reading. Annual exams catch issues before they affect school, sports, or confidence.

Learn more: If you want a full breakdown of what happens during a pediatric eye exam, read our companion guide: “When Should Kids Have an Eye Exam — and What Should Parents Expect?”

What Should I Look for When Choosing an Eye Doctor for My Child?

Should I choose an optometrist or ophthalmologist?

For routine children’s eye exams, an optometrist is the right provider almost every time.
Ophthalmologists focus on medical and surgical eye conditions. Optometrists perform:

• Routine vision exams
• Glasses and contact lens prescriptions
• Eye-teaming and tracking assessments
• Myopia management
• Detection of eye diseases
• Referrals for medical or surgical care, when needed

Do we need a pediatric eye specialist?

Not typically. At Maine Optometry — and most family practices — all optometrists are trained to see children. The biggest difference is comfort level and experience working with kids.

You want a provider who takes their time, explains things clearly, and uses kid-friendly testing methods.

What questions should I ask when choosing a children’s eye doctor?

Here are helpful questions parents often use:

• “Do you regularly see children my child’s age?”
• “How do you help anxious or shy kids feel comfortable?”
• “Do you have technology that makes the exam easier or reduces the need for dilation?”
• “Do you offer eyewear options designed for children?”
• “Do you accept my insurance?”
• “Can siblings be scheduled together?”
• “Which of your providers have the most experience seeing patients around my child’s age?”

Asking these questions gives you a quick sense of whether a practice is thoughtful about family care.

How Do I Know If an Eye Doctor Is Good With Kids?

What does a kid-friendly environment look like?

A child-friendly practice isn’t about toys in the waiting room — it’s about how the staff interacts with kids. Look for:

• Warm, patient communication
• Clear explanations at a child’s level
• Flexibility when kids are shy, energetic, or overwhelmed
• Extra time built into exams
• Calm, supportive energy from both doctor and staff

How will the eye doctor help my child feel comfortable?

At Maine Optometry, doctors often:

• Describe every step before doing it
• Use picture charts or shapes for non-readers
• Allow parents to stay in the room
• Adjust the pace of the exam for anxious or sensory-sensitive kids
• Use gentle, non-invasive technology (like Optos imaging) when possible to reduce the need for dilation

What if my child has ADHD, autism, or sensory sensitivities?

Let the practice know when booking — providers can adjust the lighting, pace, testing methods, and communication style. Most children do extremely well with small, thoughtful modifications.

How Do Technology & Equipment Impact My Child’s Exam?

Does equipment matter when choosing a practice?

Yes — especially for children. Modern technology can make eye exams more comfortable, efficient, and thorough. For example:

• A phoropter (the tool used to check a child’s prescription) is standard in every eye exam, but…
• Advanced retinal imaging, like widefield photos, can provide a deeper look at the back of the eye and may reduce the need for dilation in many cases
• Digital tools often make testing faster, gentler, and easier for kids who may be nervous or have short attention spans
• Retinal photos also allow the doctor to compare changes from year to year, which is especially helpful if there is a family history of eye conditions

Should my child always get dilated?

Not always. Many kids can use digital retinal imaging instead. Dilation is still recommended in certain cases — but minimizing discomfort is always a priority.

What Makes Maine Optometry a Good Choice for Children’s Eye Care?

Maine Optometry combines a family-focused approach with years of pediatric eye care experience. Parents often choose us because:

• Every doctor is trained and comfortable seeing children
• Kid-friendly communication that makes children feel safe
• Advanced imaging technologies, including Optos retinal photography
• A long-standing, trusted team — serving Maine families since the 1980s
• Convenient locations across the Greater Portland, ME area, including Brunswick, Gorham, Freeport, Lewiston, Saco, Standish, and Windham
• Flexible scheduling, including appointments for siblings
• Durable children’s eyewear options, including fun, stylish, and durable Spudz frames and a peace-of-mind $25 replacement plan
• Insurance-friendly, with VSP, EyeMed, Spectera, and more accepted

Your child’s vision affects how they learn, play, and experience the world. We’re here to support every step of that journey.

Schedule a Kid-Friendly Eye Exam in Maine

Choosing the right eye doctor shouldn’t be stressful. At Maine Optometry, we make the experience easy for both you and your child — with patient, supportive doctors and a welcoming, family-centered environment.