Family Eye Center provides pediatric eye care for children starting at approximately six months of age. Both Dr. Tracy J. Montierth, O.D., and Dr. Landon J. Montierth, O.D., see children as part of a family practice that has served Safford since 1989.
Pediatric Eye Care in Safford, AZ: Children's Eye Exams at Every Age
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Children's Eye Exams at Family Eye Center
As a parent, it can be hard to know when your child needs an eye exam. Children rarely complain about vision problems because they do not know what clear, comfortable vision is supposed to feel like. A child who struggles to read, loses their place on the page, or avoids close work may have an undiagnosed vision issue. Regular eye exams are the most reliable way to catch those issues early, when they are most responsive to correction.
Why Children's Eye Exams Start Early
Eye problems that go undetected in early childhood can affect how your child learns, reads, and interacts with the world. Many conditions that develop in the first years of life, including amblyopia and strabismus, respond much better to treatment when they are identified early. Waiting until a child can read a letter chart or report blurry vision means waiting longer than necessary. We evaluate your child's vision and eye health starting at approximately six months of age.
Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Exam
Children are often unaware that their vision differs from that of other children. As a parent, watch for the following:
- Squinting to see the board at school or the television
- Sitting closer than expected to screens or books
- Rubbing the eyes frequently
- Avoiding reading, drawing, or other close work
- Turning or tilting the head to look at objects
- Complaints of headaches or tired eyes after reading
- One eye that appears to turn in or out
Any of these signs is a reason to schedule an eye exam. Call (928) 428-4360 to book an appointment at Family Eye Center.
Family Eye Center sees children starting at approximately six months of age. For children without risk factors or symptoms, annual exams through the school years are generally appropriate. If your child has a family history of eye conditions or a prescription that has been changing quickly, your optometrist may recommend more frequent appointments. Call (928) 428-4360 to discuss the right schedule for your child.
Children often do not recognize or report vision problems because they have no reference for what normal vision feels like. Signs to watch for include squinting, sitting too close to screens, avoiding reading, rubbing the eyes, or one eye that appears to turn. A scheduled eye exam is the most reliable way to identify issues that are not obvious from behavior alone. If you have a concern, call (928) 428-4360, and we can schedule an exam.
Yes. Dr. Landon J. Montierth, O.D., provides myopia management for children using MiSight® daily disposable contact lenses. MiSight® is designed for children whose myopia is progressing and is fit during a contact lens exam. If you would like to discuss whether your child is a candidate, call (928) 428-4360 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Landon J. Montierth, O.D.
What Your Child's Exam Covers
A comprehensive pediatric eye exam at Family Eye Center typically includes the following:
- Visual acuity testing appropriate to your child's age.
- Eye alignment and coordination assessment.
- Focusing ability and eye movement evaluation.
- Prescription determination for glasses if needed.
- Internal and external eye health evaluation.
- Screening for conditions such as amblyopia and strabismus.
Myopia Management for Children in Safford
If your child's glasses prescription has been increasing year over year, myopia management may be worth discussing. Myopia, or nearsightedness, tends to progress during the school years and can continue to worsen if left unaddressed. Dr. Landon J. Montierth, O.D., has experience fitting MiSight® daily disposable contact lenses for children with progressing myopia. MiSight® is designed for children and is worn during the day, making it a manageable option for younger patients. To find out whether your child is a candidate, schedule a contact lens exam with Dr. Landon J. Montierth, O.D.
Infants and Toddlers
A first eye exam at approximately six months checks that your baby's eyes are developing correctly and that both eyes are working together. Early detection of alignment issues or developmental problems gives you the most options for addressing them.
Preschool Age
Before school starts, an eye exam confirms your child can see clearly at the distances they will need for learning. Vision issues at this stage can affect readiness for reading and other foundational skills.
School-Age Children
During the school years, prescriptions can change frequently. Annual exams help ensure your child can see the board, the page, and their surroundings as clearly as possible. Undetected vision problems at this stage are sometimes mistaken for learning difficulties.
Teenagers
Myopia often progresses rapidly during the teenage years. Annual exams track prescription changes and allow your optometrist to discuss whether myopia management is appropriate. Contact lens fitting for teens is also available at Family Eye Center.
Vision and Prescription Testing
Your child's optometrist checks their visual acuity and determines whether a prescription for glasses is needed. Testing methods are adapted to your child's age and do not require them to read letters or provide verbal responses.
Eye Health and Development
The exam also checks how your child's eyes work together, track moving objects, and focus at different distances. These visual skills affect learning and reading and may not be obvious without a clinical evaluation.
Glasses and Follow-Up Care
If your child needs glasses, our optician can help fit frames sized for children during the same appointment. Follow-up exams are scheduled based on your child's age and prescription history to track any changes over time.
Schedule Your Child's Eye Exam in Safford
To schedule a pediatric eye exam at Family Eye Center, call (928) 428-4360. Walk-ins are welcome during office hours. We see children from Safford, Thatcher, Pima, Morenci, Clifton, Willcox, Duncan, and the surrounding southeastern Arizona communities.