If you're searching for an optometrist near me who provides compassionate, specialized care for children, Midwest Eye Associates in St. Charles is here to help.
Led by pediatric vision specialist Dr. Trista Pabisz, our approach is designed to make your child’s first eye exam informative, stress-free, and engaging.
Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect during this important visit.
Scheduling the Appointment: Custom Care from the Start
When scheduling, our front desk team gathers essential details:
- Your child’s age
- Any existing eye or vision concerns
- Referral source (e.g., school nurse, pediatrician, teacher)
This helps us choose the most appropriate appointment time – especially since younger children tend to do better during morning hours.
Whether you book online or by phone, we confirm details to ensure your child is scheduled appropriately, whether it's for a routine check-up or a more specific concern.
Welcoming Environment and Pre-Visit Paperwork
Upon arrival at Midwest Eye Associates, you and your child will be greeted by our friendly front office staff.
Parents complete a brief health history form that covers:
- Current medications
- Health conditions like allergies, ADHD, or diabetes
- General development and vision behavior
For children in school, we provide a short Vision and Learning Survey. It includes questions like:
- Do you get headaches when reading?
- Do you need to reread sentences?
- Do you lose your place often?
This survey helps us detect subtle vision issues that may affect learning or school performance.
Pre-Testing: Using Technology to Gather Insight
Before the main exam, your child visits our pre-test room, where we use advanced diagnostic tools in a kid-friendly environment:
- Autorefraction: A digital scan that estimates whether your child may need glasses.
- Retinal Imaging: High-resolution photos of the back of the eye, providing a baseline for future health comparisons.
These painless tests are essential for identifying early signs of vision or eye health problems, even in children with no symptoms.
Comprehensive Pediatric Eye Exam
In the exam room, Dr. Pabisz uses child-appropriate methods to evaluate vision and eye health.
Depending on your child’s age, we may use:
- Shape or picture-based charts (for kids who don't yet know their letters)
- Visual acuity testing (how clearly each eye sees)
- Depth perception test with 3D glasses
- Color vision test (typically starting at age 5)
Additional assessments include:
- Binocular vision testing: Evaluates how well the eyes work together
- Convergence and tracking: Assesses the eyes’ ability to follow objects and maintain focus during reading
- Eye alignment screening: Identifies any signs of strabismus or “lazy eye”
- Eye health evaluation: Checks eyelids, lashes, cornea, and retina for signs of infection, allergies, or rare conditions like retinoblastoma
Every step is designed to make your child feel comfortable. Dr. Pabisz avoids white coats, uses a friendly approach, and turns exams into games when possible – helping reduce anxiety and encourage cooperation.
Discussing Results and Next Steps
After the exam, Dr. Pabisz reviews the findings with you, addressing questions like:
- Does your child need glasses?
- Are there signs of eye strain, myopia, or learning-related vision issues?
- What is the recommended follow-up schedule?
She also provides helpful guidance on:
- Age-appropriate screen time
- Nutrition tips for healthy eyes
- When to monitor versus when to intervene
If glasses or further testing are needed, we provide complete education and support to help parents understand treatment options.
Why Parents in St. Charles Trust Midwest Eye Associates
Dr. Pabisz’s expertise in pediatric and binocular vision care makes Midwest Eye Associates a top choice for families searching for:
- Personalized children’s eye exams
- A pediatric optometrist near me
- Preventive vision care in a welcoming environment
Whether it’s your child’s first visit or part of ongoing care, our goal is to help every child see clearly, learn better, and feel confident in their vision.
FAQs
What age should my child have their first eye exam?
The American Optometric Association recommends an eye exam between 6–12 months old, again at age 3, and before kindergarten.
Can my child get an eye exam if they can’t read?
Yes. We use special charts with shapes and pictures to test vision in children who haven't learned letters yet.
What should I bring to the appointment?
Bring any current glasses, a list of medications, and your insurance card. Be prepared to share any concerns about your child’s vision or school performance.