The eyes are essential organs that enable children to learn and explore their surroundings. Children with blurry vision often do not recognize their condition as abnormal despite interfering with their learning and daily activities. Therefore, taking your child for vision screening tests is essential and recommended by pediatric ophthalmologists. It allows early detection of visual abnormalities and timely intervention, increasing the chances of complete recovery. Your child can experience a better quality of life, enjoy playing with friends, engage in favorite activities, and attain their full learning potential.
To promote brain and vision development and prevent potential eye diseases due to eye conditions, doctors recommend children aged 3 to 14 have regular eye exams with specialist pediatric ophthalmologists who have in-depth knowledge of child developmental milestones and extensive experience in pediatric eye health. Children should have an eye examination annually.
For those interested in taking your child to MedPark Hospital for an eye examination, we have written a detailed review article of the MedPark Hospital Preschooler Eye Health Checkup process. This guide outlines the tests and how to prepare your children for the visit. Read on to learn all the details!
Why Preschooler Eye Health Checkup at MedPark Hospital?
- A specialist pediatric ophthalmologist who is highly skilled in assessing pediatric eye health and knowledgeable about developmental stages across all age groups conducts the pediatric eye examination. With the ability to detect early signs of eye conditions, the doctor ensures a thorough examination while employing gentle techniques to engage children throughout the process, ensuring their cooperation and comfort at every step.
- Professional pediatric nurses who understand child nature provide care and guidance, using a gentle, age-appropriate communication style, creating a comfortable environment that encourages child cooperation during examinations.
- We utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment for both essential and comprehensive screenings. Each step is fast and designed to ensure children remain comfortable and cooperative.
- A designated space is available as a lounging area while waiting for a doctor consultation or the effects of mydriatic eye drops. The area is private and tranquil, alleviating any anxiety children may experience before their examination.
- After the examination, parents can immediately review the results with the pediatric ophthalmologist. The doctor will explain the findings in easy-to-understand terms, allowing parents to fully comprehend eye health and better provide eye care for their children.
- The pediatric ophthalmologist will recommend further detailed evaluations if any minor visual abnormalities are detected. This proactive approach ensures timely intervention and correction, promoting optimal eye health, full visual development, and an enhanced quality of life for the child following treatment.
Review: Eye Exam for Preschoolers at MedPark Hospital. Comprehensive Examination. Child-Centric Doctors. Instant Results.
1. Scheduling an Appointment
Parents can inquire about pediatric eye health examinations and schedule appointments through these channels:
- Call Center: Call 02-023-3333 for a prompt service. Our staff is ready to assist you.
- My MedPark App: Download our user-friendly hospital application for easy access to services. The app is a quick and convenient way for parents to review examination details, view doctors' schedules, and book appointments.
- Social Media: For additional information and updates on promotional packages, parents can follow MedPark Hospital on social media platforms, including Facebook: MedPark Hospital - International & Expats, Instagram: medpark.thailand, and Line Official: MedPark Hospital.
2. Patient Registration (for new patients) and Check-in
For those visiting MedPark for the first time, please arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled appointment to complete the registration process at the registration desk on the ground floor (G floor). If you have an existing patient record by a prior birth record or vaccination history at MedPark Hospital, please proceed directly to the Ophthalmology Center on the 12A floor and give the name of your child and appointment time at Counter B.
3. Vital Sign Assessment
The vital signs—blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, and oxygen saturation—will be measured. The staff will explain each step of the examination to parents while gradually familiarizing themselves with the child to ensure the child feels comfortable and cooperative throughout the process.
4. Eye Exam for Preschoolers at MedPark Hospital
For the preschooler eye exam, the ophthalmologist will design a test tailored to the age and level of cooperation. If a younger child can identify numbers, pictures, or colors and is comfortable with the diagnostic tools, doctors can perform a comprehensive examination for a thorough screening.
The eye health checkup program for preschoolers under review is the Classic Eye Examination Package. Let us take a look at what this package includes.
1. Visual Acuity
This preliminary eye examination assesses the sharpness of vision appropriate for age. The healthcare staff will ask the child to identify numbers, letters, and images of varying sizes, testing one eye at a time. During this process, the staff will observe behaviors, such as eye rubbing, squinting, or tilting the head while viewing images. These symptoms can indicate visual impairments that many parents might not recognize.
2. Auto Refraction
Next, the eye examination will involve an automated refractometer. This quick test assesses whether the child has myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism and evaluates how these conditions may affect their development and daily activities. It helps determine if corrective lenses or further treatment is needed to address refractive errors in the child.
3. Intraocular Pressure Measurement
The automated refractometer can also screen for potential glaucoma onset in cooperative children. This test involves blowing a puff of air onto the eye to measure intraocular pressure, which may startle some children. However, it is valuable for detecting glaucoma. Data indicate glaucoma can occur in children of all ages and is more frequent in boys than girls.
4. Color Vision Testing
The enjoyment of this examination lies in the fact that children get to view images from a color vision test plate and identify the numbers they see. This test is suitable for children aged six and older. Young children who cannot read numbers will not be able to participate in this test. Children with congenital color blindness may have difficulty distinguishing between red and green, which can prevent them from identifying the numbers on the test plate.
5. Stereopsis
Children often find this examination enjoyable because they wear special glasses and view 3D images while following staff instructions. This test evaluates depth perception. A child with normal visual acuity and clear vision can see the 3D image accurately. Additionally, this test can indicate potential signs of amblyopia or strabismus, which may affect depth perception. However, this assessment relies heavily on the understanding and cooperation of the child, making it most effective for children aged six and older.
6. Comprehensive Eye Examination by a Pediatric Ophthalmologist
A pediatric ophthalmologist performs the eye examination. If the child exhibits suboptimal visual acuity for age, the ophthalmologist may recommend mydriatic eye drops to dilate the pupils. The need for a dilated eye exam depends on the specific needs of the examination day. After administering the drops, the child should wait about 30 to 45 minutes for the medication to take effect. During this time, the child can engage in activities such as playing or watching cartoons in the designated waiting area.
6.1 Visual Acuity. Visual acuity test takes place in the pediatric eye exam room. The doctor will ask the child to identify images or numbers of varying sizes displayed on a screen to evaluate their visual acuity.
6.2 Evaluation of Strabismus and Eye Movements.
In this stage, the doctor will have the child read numbers, view pictures, and interact with toys. The examination includes alternately covering each eye to assess strabismus (crossed eyes) or amblyopia (lazy eye). Additionally, the doctor will direct the child to follow a moving toy with their eyes as it slowly traverses from left to right, allowing the doctor to observe eye movement and muscle coordination. This assessment helps identify strabismus, evaluate eye muscle function, and detect any other abnormalities in eye movement.
6.3 Examination of Eye Structure and Abnormalities
Young children can sit on the lap of their parents during the examination. Specialized equipment, including large stationary instruments and small handheld devices, are designed to make the process less intimidating for the child and encourage better cooperation. During the exam, the ophthalmologist will assess the structure of the iris, cornea, sclera, lens, conjunctiva, eyelids, and eyelashes for abnormalities.
7. Review the Results with an Ophthalmologist
Once the pediatric eye examination is over, the ophthalmologist will immediately inform the parents of the results. The child can go home without further intervention if no abnormalities are detected. The doctor will offer preliminary recommendations if any minor issues are detected. For severe conditions not correctible with lenses or behavioral changes, a thorough diagnostic evaluation to determine the appropriate course of treatment is advisable.
Parents with concerns or questions about providing eye care for their children should consult their doctor.
Why is Pediatric Eye Health Screening Crucial?
Routine eye examinations for preschoolers are as crucial as annual health checkups. The eye screening tests help identify eye conditions that may impact short-term and long-term child development, such as amblyopia, strabismus, myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, congenital cataracts, glaucoma, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, and allergic eye conditions.
Early detection of eye health issues allows for timely intervention and treatment, improving the chances of full recovery. It ensures children can engage in social activities and learning without hindrance, supports optimal brain development, and alleviates concerns about appearance or self-esteem as they grow older.
When Should You Take Your Child for a Pediatric Eye Exam?
The ideal ages for an eye exam are as follows:
- Newborn – 6 months
All newborns undergo an initial eye health screening by a pediatrician and a pediatric ophthalmologist to assess the shape of the eyes, vision, and signs of eye diseases such as congenital cataracts or retinopathy of prematurity.
- Age 6 months – 1 year
During the first year of life, parents should bring their child for an eye health examination to screen for common vision abnormalities that may occur at this age, such as amblyopia and strabismus.
- Age 3-4
Before school age, children should undergo an eye health examination and vision screening to identify any visual impairments that may impact their health, learning development, or social interactions. At this age, children are more capable of communicating and cooperating during the exam, enabling more accurate detection of conditions such as strabismus, amblyopia, and visual acuity issues.
- Age 5 and Above
At this age, children engage in more visually demanding activities, especially those who spend extended periods on screens, using smartphones, or playing video games for several hours a day. One of the most common issues in this age group is nearsightedness, which is correctible with appropriate prescription glasses suited to their visual needs. Additionally, this period marks the last critical window for effectively treating amblyopia (lazy eye).
Parents are encouraged to bring their children for routine eye exams every 1 to 2 years. If signs of vision problems arise—such as blurred vision, frequent bumping into objects, or persistent squinting to focus—it is essential to consult a pediatric ophthalmologist for a thorough examination, diagnosis, and treatment plan. Timely intervention can significantly enhance treatment outcomes, allowing children to return post-treatment to their daily activities with higher quality.
Checklist: Warning Signs Indicating Your Child Should See a Pediatric Ophthalmologist
- Redness, irritation, or frequent blinking of the eyes
- Excessive tearing or abnormal discharge
- Blurred or cloudy vision, frequent bumping into objects
- Squinting or holding objects close to the eyes
- Tilting the head when looking at something or reading
- Misaligned eyes, strabismus, or asymmetry between the two eyes
Where is the Best Place for a Pre-School Eye Health Checkup?
Pediatric eye health examinations require great attention to detail and are vital. MedPark Hospital recognizes pediatric eye screenings for both preschoolers and school-aged children are crucial. Our pediatric ophthalmologists are highly skilled and experienced and understand child development, behaviors, and nature at different ages. They have special techniques to engage children and ensure their cooperation throughout the examination. Moreover, we have advanced and efficacious diagnostic tools, allowing quick and comprehensive screening tests. Doctors explain the results in clear, easy-to-understand language with practical advice for eye care.
Children's Eye Exams at MedPark offer comprehensive screening for eye diseases and abnormalities at a great value. Parents can receive immediate feedback from our pediatric ophthalmologists following the examination. The designed programs are quick, comprehensive, and of great value.
What do MedPark's Pediatric Eye Exam Packages include?
At MedPark Hospital, pediatric eye screening is recommended for all children aged 3 to 14, regardless of symptoms. Eye exams should take place every 1 to 2 years. MedPark offers children eye exam packages designed to suit each developmental stage.
1. Children Classic Eye Examination
- Visual Acuity
- Eye Anatomy
- Eye Muscle Movement and Strabismus Testing
- Stereopsis*
- Color Vision Testing*
- Auto Refraction
2. Children Complete Eye Examination
- Visual Acuity
- Eye Anatomy
- Eye Muscle Movement and Strabismus Testing
- Stereopsis*
- Color Vision Testing*
- Auto Refraction
- Tonometry*
- Cycloplegic Refraction
- Fundus Photography*
*In children who are cooperative.
