When should kids get an eye exam?

Before school starts, and yearly after that — especially if a parent is nearsighted or the prescription has been changing. Call 310-828-2010 and we’ll help you pick the right timing.

My child passed a school screening. Is that enough?

Screenings check distance vision only. An exam also checks focusing, eye teaming and eye health, which screenings miss.

Which doctor sees children?

All three doctors see patients for comprehensive eye exams. Dr. Kevin Cohenmehr leads vision therapy for children.

When should kids get their first eye exam?

The American Optometric Association recommends a first comprehensive eye exam at about 6 months, another in the preschool years, one before first grade, and yearly through the school years, because vision changes quickly while children grow. A child with a nearsighted parent, an eye turn or a changing prescription is seen more often.

What is a pediatric eye exam?

A comprehensive exam adapted to a child's age: how clearly each eye sees on its own, whether a prescription is present and changing, how the eyes focus, team and track together, and the health of the eye inside and out, usually with dilating drops. Toddlers are tested with pictures and lights rather than letters; no reading is required. When a prescription is climbing, the same visit opens the myopia control conversation.

How do I prepare my child for an eye exam?

Tell them what will happen: looking at pictures and lights, a bright light up close, and drops that sting for a moment and blur reading for a few hours. Bring current glasses, your questions and sunglasses for the ride home. Morning appointments suit young children, and a snack afterward helps. Mention any family history of eye turns, lazy eye or strong prescriptions.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kevin Cohenmehr, OD Last reviewed October 24, 2026

Pediatric Eye Exams in West Los Angeles

Clear vision for school, sports and screens.

Children rarely tell you they can’t see the whiteboard — their grades, attention or squint do. A pediatric exam checks how each eye sees, how the eyes work together, and whether a prescription is changing while your child grows.

Book appointmentOr call 310-828-2010 Accepted insurance

For: Children and teens
Checks: Vision, eye teaming, eye health
If progressing: Myopia control options
Also here: Vision therapy with Dr. Kevin

The exam

What we look for in a child’s exam.

01How clearly each eye seesAnd the right prescription if one is needed, measured in ways that work even before a child knows their letters.
02Focusing and eye alignmentThe teaming skills that carry reading and attention, and that school screenings often miss.
03Eye health, inside and outLids, surface, lens and retina: the full check, sized to a child’s patience.
04How the prescription has changedThe year-over-year trend since the last visit: the main myopia question.

If the prescription is climbing every yearWe will talk about slowing it down (Ortho-K, MiSight, low-dose atropine and Essilor Stellest lenses), and glasses are fitted in our own optical.

Myopia Control Center

Beyond 20/20

Vision therapy for children.

Dr. Kevin Cohenmehr has a strong passion for vision therapy, particularly in his work with children, including those with disabilities. He works to help young patients overcome visual challenges that can affect their learning and development, whether they have developmental delays, learning disabilities, or other special needs. The goal is to improve their visual function and their ability to succeed in everyday activities.

Vision therapy →

Growing eyes

If the prescription keeps climbing, we can slow it.

Myopia control

Common questions

Pediatric eye exams, answered.

Anything else, call the office at 310-828-2010.

Before school starts, and yearly after that — especially if a parent is nearsighted or the prescription has been changing. Call 310-828-2010 and we’ll help you pick the right timing.
Screenings check distance vision only. An exam also checks focusing, eye teaming and eye health, which screenings miss.
All three doctors see patients for comprehensive eye exams. Dr. Kevin Cohenmehr leads vision therapy for children.
The American Optometric Association recommends a first comprehensive eye exam at about 6 months, another in the preschool years, one before first grade, and yearly through the school years, because vision changes quickly while children grow. A child with a nearsighted parent, an eye turn or a changing prescription is seen more often.
A comprehensive exam adapted to a child's age: how clearly each eye sees on its own, whether a prescription is present and changing, how the eyes focus, team and track together, and the health of the eye inside and out, usually with dilating drops. Toddlers are tested with pictures and lights rather than letters; no reading is required. When a prescription is climbing, the same visit opens the myopia control conversation.
Tell them what will happen: looking at pictures and lights, a bright light up close, and drops that sting for a moment and blur reading for a few hours. Bring current glasses, your questions and sunglasses for the ride home. Morning appointments suit young children, and a snack afterward helps. Mention any family history of eye turns, lazy eye or strong prescriptions.

Pediatric eye exams near you

12222 Wilshire Blvd, on the Santa Monica border.

West Los Angeles Brentwood Santa Monica Westwood Beverly Hills Culver City Pacific Palisades West Hollywood Marina del Rey Newport Beach

Also consider

Next step

Book your child’s exam.

One visit with our eye doctors in Los Angeles tells you how your child sees, whether it’s changing, and what to do about it.

Book Today Or call 310-828-2010