Leads every exam. She talks to your child first, then to you, and explains what she found in plain words.
For babies, toddlers and preschoolers
An eye exam built for small people
A first exam checks how well each eye sees, whether the two work together, and the health of the eyes themselves. It takes about 45 minutes, and you are in the room the whole time.
We keep the room calm and the tests short. Your child can sit on your lap, hold a toy and take a break whenever they need one.
What the exam looks at
How well each eye sees
Whether the eyes point and move together
Whether glasses would help
The health of the front and back of each eye
The visit
What happens, step by step
- 01About 5 minutes
Step 1: Hello and a few questions
We ask about naps, snacks and what your child likes, then about their eyes and family history.
- 02About 15 minutes
Step 2: Picture games
Shapes and pictures show how each eye sees, one eye at a time. A parent can hold the cover.
- 03About 15 minutes
Step 3: The light and the lenses
The doctor uses a small light and a few lenses to measure the prescription and look at the eyes. Drops only when they would help, and we say so first.
- 04About 10 minutes
Step 4: Talking it over
Dr. Spruill explains what she found, answers questions and says when to come back.
Billing and what to bring
How it is billed
Most first exams are billed to a vision plan. If the doctor looks into an eye problem, that part is billed to medical insurance. If you pay yourself, we give you a written estimate first.
How fees workWhat to bring
Your child's current glasses, if they wear any
Vision and medical insurance cards
A list of any eye drops or medicines your child uses
A favorite toy or book
Who sees your child
The doctor and the technician beside her
Kayla Gould
Exam assistant
Does the first measurements and plays the picture games. Stays beside your child through the exam.
About a first exam
When should my child have a first eye exam?
Many eye doctors suggest a first exam between six and twelve months, and at least one more between ages three and five. If your pediatrician or you have a concern, come sooner. Dr. Spruill can tell you what schedule suits your child.
How do you test a child who can't read letters?
We use pictures, shapes and lights, and we turn each test into a game. Your child never has to say a word the doctor can read from their eyes instead. You stay beside them the whole time.
Will my child need eye drops?
Sometimes. Drops that relax the eye's focusing help the doctor measure a child's prescription. They sting for a moment, and they can make close-up vision blurry and bright light uncomfortable for a few hours. We tell you before we use them, and why.
Book a first exam
Pick a time in our booking system, or call and we will find one with you.