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Optometrist examining a child with a slit lamp while the child's mother stands nearby

Children's Eye Exams in Greater New Haven & Along the Connecticut Shoreline

Children don't always realize when their vision affects how they see, read, or learn. Regular eye exams can help identify vision problems that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Our eye doctors provide children's eye exams beginning around ages 8–10, depending on the doctor. Contact your preferred Kennedy & Perkins location to confirm your child's eligibility.

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6 locations
Kennedy & Perkins Guild Opticians - North Haven
Address
1957 Whitney Avenue · North Haven 06473
Hours
Services
Contact LensesEye ExamsAccessoriesEyeglasses & Sunglasses
Insurance
MedicareUnited HealthcareAetnaSpecteraEyeMedMedicaidAnthem Blue Cross Blue ShieldMeritain HealthOxfordHarvard Pilgrim Health CareVSPConnecticare

Have another plan? Benefit questions? Paying out of pocket? Call us at (203) 941-6859. We are happy to help.

Kennedy & Perkins Opticians - Branford
Address
1100 West Main Street · Branford 06405
Hours
Services
Contact LensesEye ExamsAccessoriesEyeglasses & Sunglasses
Insurance
MedicareUnited HealthcareAetnaSpecteraEyeMedMedicaidAnthem Blue Cross Blue ShieldMeritain HealthOxfordHarvard Pilgrim Health CareVSPConnecticare

Have another plan? Benefit questions? Paying out of pocket? Call us at (203) 457-6377. We are happy to help.

Kennedy & Perkins Opticians - Old Saybrook
Address
105 Elm Street · Unit 15 · Old Saybrook 06475
Hours
Services
Contact LensesEye ExamsAccessoriesEyeglasses & Sunglasses
Insurance
MedicareUnited HealthcareAetnaSpecteraEyeMedMedicaidAnthem Blue Cross Blue ShieldMeritain HealthOxfordHarvard Pilgrim Health CareVSPConnecticare

Have another plan? Benefit questions? Paying out of pocket? Call us at (860) 390-4194. We are happy to help.

Kennedy & Perkins Opticians - Guilford
Address
856 Boston Post Road · Shoreline Big Y Plaza · Guilford 06437
Hours
Services
Contact LensesEye ExamsAccessoriesEyeglasses & Sunglasses
Insurance
MedicareUnited HealthcareAetnaSpecteraEyeMedMedicaidAnthem Blue Cross Blue ShieldMeritain HealthOxfordHarvard Pilgrim Health CareVSPConnecticare

Have another plan? Benefit questions? Paying out of pocket? Call us at (203) 689-0714. We are happy to help.

Kennedy & Perkins Opticians - Milford
Address
977 Boston Post Rd · Milford 06460
Hours
Services
Contact LensesEye ExamsAccessoriesEyeglasses & Sunglasses
Insurance
MedicareUnited HealthcareAetnaSpecteraEyeMedMedicaidAnthem Blue Cross Blue ShieldMeritain HealthOxfordHarvard Pilgrim Health CareVSPConnecticare

Have another plan? Benefit questions? Paying out of pocket? Call us at (203) 806-9779. We are happy to help.

Kennedy & Perkins Opticians - New Haven
Address
80 Whitney Avenue · New Haven 06510
Hours
Services
Contact LensesEye ExamsAccessoriesEyeglasses & Sunglasses
Insurance
MedicareUnited HealthcareAetnaSpecteraEyeMedMedicaidAnthem Blue Cross Blue ShieldMeritain HealthOxfordHarvard Pilgrim Health CareVSPConnecticare

Have another plan? Benefit questions? Paying out of pocket? Call us at (203) 437-9120. We are happy to help.


Optometrist examining a child with an eye screening device

Your Child May Not Know Their Vision Is Changing

Children often assume that what they see is normal, especially if they have never experienced clear vision with glasses.

Vision problems can make it harder to read, see the classroom board, or focus on visual tasks. A comprehensive eye exam can help identify whether your child has a vision concern that needs attention, even if they have not complained about their eyesight.

A Passed School Vision Screening Does Not Always Mean Your Child's Eyes Are Healthy

School vision screenings can identify possible eyesight problems, but they do not assess every aspect of a child's vision and eye health.

A comprehensive eye exam provides a broader evaluation, helping identify concerns that a basic screening may not detect. Even if your child passes their school screening, an eye examination may still be appropriate based on their symptoms, history, or individual needs.

Squinting, headaches, and Reading Difficulties Are Signs of Vision Problems

Children may not know how to explain that their eyesight has changed. Instead, you might notice differences in how they read, concentrate, or use their eyes throughout the day.

Common signs that may warrant an eye exam include:

  • Squinting to see distant objects
  • Sitting unusually close to screens
  • Holding books close to their face
  • Frequent headaches or eye strain
  • Complaints of blurry or double vision
  • Losing their place while reading
  • Closing or covering one eye to see more clearly
  • Difficulty seeing the classroom board

These signs can have several causes and do not necessarily mean your child needs glasses. An eye exam can help determine whether a vision problem is contributing.


We Check Your Child's Vision & Eye Health, Not Just Their Prescription

A child's eye exam assesses how clearly your child sees and checks for signs of eye health concerns. It can help identify changes that may affect their everyday activities or require further evaluation.

Clear Vision Helps Children See the Board, Read & Complete Schoolwork

Uncorrected vision problems can make reading, writing, and seeing information across a classroom more difficult.

An eye examination can help identify prescription needs that may be affecting these activities. However, learning difficulties can have several causes, and an eye exam cannot explain every academic concern.

Eye Health Checks Can Identify Concerns Before Your Child Notices Symptoms

Some eye conditions may develop without obvious early symptoms. A comprehensive eye examination helps assess your child's eye health and identify signs of concern that may need further attention.

Your Child's Age & Vision Needs Help Determine When They Need Another Exam

The appropriate examination schedule depends on your child's age, vision, eye health, and individual risk factors.

Our eye doctors can recommend when your child should return for another examination based on their needs.

We Generally Welcome Children for Eye Exams Starting at Ages 8–10

Our eye doctors generally examine children starting around ages 8–10, although the minimum age varies by provider.

We do not offer infant eye examinations. Contact your preferred location before scheduling to confirm whether your child meets the age requirements.

Find Children's Prescription Glasses for School & Everyday Activities

If your child needs prescription glasses, we also offer children's eyewear at our New Haven, Branford, and Old Saybrook locations.

Frame fit, comfort, and durability are important considerations for glasses worn throughout the school day and during everyday activities. Our optical selection gives families the opportunity to consider different frame options based on their child's prescription and preferences.

View Children's Eyewear


Get Answers About Your Child's Vision

If you have noticed squinting, headaches, or difficulty seeing at school, an eye exam can help identify whether a vision problem is contributing.

Our eye doctors generally examine children beginning around ages 8–10. Contact your preferred location to confirm eligibility and arrange an appointment.



Children's Eye Exams at Three Convenient Shoreline Offices

Our children's eye exams are offered at offices in New Haven, Branford, and Old Saybrook, all within a short drive of one another along the Connecticut shoreline. Families across the area often choose whichever office best fits their schedule.

Because the minimum age varies by provider, each location can confirm whether your child is old enough before you book. Visit the office nearest you to see its address, phone number, and hours: New Haven, Branford, or Old Saybrook.