Pediatric Eye Care

Eye exams for children from age 1

Your child doesn't need to know their letters to have a complete eye exam. Dr. Iris Matsukado, known to families as “Dr. Mats,” focuses on pediatric eye care and sees babies, toddlers and school-age kids starting at 1 year old at our Odessa office.

For little ones, the exam uses pictures, lights, toys and simple tests that measure how the eyes focus and work together without asking a child to read. Dr. Mats checks for lazy eye, crossed or wandering eyes, nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, and for focusing and eye-teaming problems that can make reading harder. She completed a residency in pediatrics, sports vision and vision therapy, and has more than 30 years of experience helping kids feel comfortable in the exam chair.

Sports vision and binocular vision

Sports vision. Young athletes rely on more than 20/20. Dr. Mats looks at the visual skills a sport depends on, like depth perception, eye tracking and eye-hand coordination, and recommends sports eyewear, contact lenses or protective eyewear. She has provided vision care for professional baseball teams and served for 20 years with the American Optometric Association’s Sports Vision team at the Junior Olympics.

Binocular vision. When the eyes don’t aim, focus or move together well, reading and homework can bring headaches, tired eyes, double vision or words that seem to move, even in a child who sees 20/20. Dr. Mats evaluates eye teaming, focusing and eye movements and explains the treatment options for your child. These visits are available for adults too, at our Odessa office.

Family visits and Beyond Kids

We see parents and kids back to back in the same visit, with no extra appointments to schedule. We’re open Saturdays, and Saturday walk-ins are always welcome. Booking ahead just gets you a set time.

Beyond Kids, the kids' frame section at our Odessa and East Lake offices, has frames sized for children in lots of colors. At Odessa, most single-vision kids' glasses are made while you wait in our lab, in lightweight, impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses; glasses ordered at East Lake are usually ready in 1 to 3 days.

Signs your child may have a vision problem

Vision problems in kids aren't always obvious. Watch for a child who:

• Avoids reading or close-up activities like coloring and puzzles
• Squints, holds books very close or sits close to the TV
• Complains of headaches or tired eyes
• Has a short attention span or seems easily distracted
• Covers one eye or tilts their head to focus
• Is sensitive to light or has trouble with coordination

Common childhood eye conditions

When should kids have eye exams?

School screenings aren't the same as an eye exam. A child can pass a screening and still have a problem only an eye doctor can find. Recommended exams:

• Between 6 and 12 months of age
• At least once between ages 3 and 5
• Before first grade
• Every year through the school years

We see children as young as 1 year old. If you notice any of the signs above, don't wait for a scheduled check-up.