Pediatric Eye Exams in Chicago, IL

Pediatric Eye Care at Big City Optical

Children’s eyes are constantly changing as they grow, which makes their vision particularly vulnerable to certain diseases and conditions. Our team of expert doctors and opticians are great with kids and will use our advanced tech to ensure their eyes remain healthy as they develop. We’re also proud to offer a large selection of child-friendly eyewear that can be customized to your child’s unique needs.

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Little girl undergoing pediatric eye exam at Big City Optical

What Are Pediatric Eye Exams?

A pediatric eye exam is similar to a typical comprehensive eye exam, but it’s designed to accommodate smaller, growing eyes. We use age-specific technology to examine your child’s eyes and will explain every part of the process using terminology they can understand. These exams focus on the kinds of conditions more common in children, especially myopia. If we do notice anything of concern, we will customize a treatment plan that is built to address your child’s specific needs.

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Children’s Vision Services

Kids can develop a host of eye-related issues, but the most common conditions are myopia (nearsightedness) and eye misalignment conditions like amblyopia and strabismus. Once we know exactly what condition your child has, our team will help them manage their condition with one of our effective treatment solutions.

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Myopia Management

Myopia, or nearsightedness, makes objects appear blurry at a distance. The condition continues to progress over time and puts the eyes at greater risk for disease, and while prescription glasses can correct vision, they cannot address the underlying issue. Thankfully, Big City Optical’s tailored treatment plans, like our specially formulated eye drops and Ortho-K lenses, can slow or stop myopia’s progression in its tracks.

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Children’s Eyewear

Having fashionable frames is every bit as important to a child, if not more so, than the average adult. We’re proud to feature a large selection of kids’ glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses. Our opticians love working with children and will learn all about their eyes and lifestyle to help them find the perfect pair. And because accidents are always bound to happen, we’re happy to fix any broken lenses should the need arise.

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Why Choose Us?

Our approach to pediatric eye care is rooted in knowledge, convenience, and personalization. Our cutting-edge technology is specially designed for children, and our pediatric eye doctors will take their time to make sure your child’s exam is an enjoyable experience. We also have a huge selection of kids’ frames that our opticians will help them explore. Schedule your child’s annual eye exam to ensure that their eye health is on track for a clear, comfortable childhood.

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Pediatric Eye Exams at Big City Optical

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Straightforward answers to the questions patients ask most about pediatric eye exams.
Your eye doctor can speak to your specific needs at your visit.

Still have a question?

Our team at any of our neighborhood offices can walk you through it, or you can book a visit and ask your eye doctor directly.

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At what age should my child have their first eye exam?

Most children should have their first comprehensive eye exam between 6 and 12 months old. Our eye doctor can assess vision development even before a child can speak.

How often should children have an eye exam?

Children typically need another exam between ages 3 and 5, before first grade, and regularly during school years. Our eye doctor can recommend a schedule for your child.

Is a school vision screening the same as a pediatric eye exam?

A school screening usually checks basic vision, while a pediatric eye exam also assesses eye health, focusing, and coordination. Both have a role in children’s care.

What signs mean my child should see an eye doctor?

Squinting, frequent headaches, eye turns, holding books very close, or trouble with reading may signal a vision concern. Schedule an exam if you notice changes.

What happens during a pediatric eye exam, and how can I prepare my child?

Our eye doctor uses age-appropriate pictures, lights, and other tests to check your child’s eyes. Tell your child they’ll look at pictures and play simple vision games.

Do you check for lazy eye (amblyopia) and eye turns (strabismus)?

Yes. Our eye doctor checks for amblyopia, when one eye develops weaker vision, and strabismus, when the eyes are misaligned. Early care can make a difference.

What is the difference between a pediatric optometrist and a pediatric ophthalmologist?

A pediatric optometrist provides eye exams, glasses prescriptions, and management of many vision concerns. A pediatric ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who can also perform eye surgery.

Does insurance cover my child’s eye exam?

Coverage depends on your child’s age, plan, and reason for the visit. Share your insurance details with our team before the appointment.

Still have a question?

Our team at any of our neighborhood offices can walk you through it, or you can book a visit and ask your eye doctor directly.

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Annie Zou

Needed to adjust my new glasses purchased somewhere else, and found this place. The guy who greeted me was super nice and he was able to help me adjust. I didn’t feel any dizziness after the adjustment. Highly recommend!

Hailee Talbot

The staff here are so kind!! I came to get the nose pieces on my sunglasses fixed and they were so quick and accommodating. Highly recommend!

Charma Dudley

I had a wonderful experience. Everyone was very helpful/professional!

Colby Brumit

Had an eye exam and ordered new glasses as a first-time patient. Check-in, exam, and ordering all went flawlessly. Staff and doctor were very friendly. Loved that I did not need to have my pupils dilated! David recommended some great frames. Will definitely go back for my next exam.

Limor Gildenblatt

I went to Big City Optical the other week and wanted to give a shout out to AJ! My youngest son snapped off a piece of my oldest son's glasses and he was able to put it back together and quickly. He was friendly and professional--definitely an asset to this place! Thank you AJ!!!

Jordan Maure

Lost one of the screws in my glasses while cleaning them. All of the workers were so kind and answered any questions I had. Thank you so much! We will definitely continue going here!

Ryne Bennett

I called and spoke to Ray at this location. I was calling because I was ordering a pair of prescription sunglasses and needed clarification on my prescription results and whatnot. She was extremely helpful during my interaction. She provided me what I needed on my call, but I had to call back for an additional question. Where I was expecting a level of annoyance for me to call right back, she was still extremely helpful and patient and provided me with all the information I needed. I really appreciated her professionalism and willingness to assist me.

Alex Slaughter

I had a great, speedy experience with Big City Optical! The office is a great space and I was in and out within 30 minutes. AJ helped me out and did an excellent job. 10/10 recommend!

West Coast Melting Pot

The staff is fabulous, they were so helpful and patient because I am obnoxiously fussy when it comes to my eyewear but it's difficult for me to see you when I don't have my glasses on. I left feeling confident that the staff helped me choose the frames that best suited my face without pushing expensive options. They genuinely took the time to help me find the frames that I like that we're also complementary to my Facial features. The selection was stellar, and the frames that are made it and house where affordable and stylish. I also had an eye exam and this was the first time I had an exam with such modern equipment. It was lovely, not having that puff of ere affordable and stylish. I also had an eye exam and this was the first time I had an exam with such modern equipment. It was lovely, not having that puff of air blow into my eye.