At Parmer Eye Care in Austin, TX, we believe eye care should be proactive, not reactive. Dr. Sundra Lemanski, our experienced optometrist, answers the most common questions we hear from parents and patients about when to schedule an eye exam, signs your child may need glasses, and how routine exams protect your long-term vision.
Expert Advice from Dr. Sundra Lemanski at Parmer Eye Care
When Should Kids Have Their First Eye Exam?
We recommend children get their first comprehensive eye exam around age 5—ideally the summer before they start kindergarten. From there, annual exams are key to tracking development and ensuring optimal vision for reading, learning, and confidence.
Important: School vision screenings are not enough. They often miss key issues like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness, astigmatism, and early signs of eye disease.
Signs Your Child May Need Glasses
Not all kids speak up about blurry vision—many don’t realize it’s a problem. Keep an eye out for:
- Sitting too close to screens or the TV
- Frequent headaches when reading or using devices
- Squinting or covering one eye
- An eye that appears to drift or turn
- Holding books unusually close
Even if it seems like a habit, these behaviors could be vision-related. A quick exam can give you peace of mind.
Why Adults Also Need Regular Eye Exams
Even if your vision seems “fine,” you could be missing early signs of serious eye conditions like glaucoma, which progresses silently and can cause irreversible damage. Many people adapt to suboptimal vision without even realizing it.
Regular eye exams:
- Detect hidden eye diseases
- Address digital eye strain or headaches
- Keep your prescription up to date
- Preserve long-term visual health
Experiencing Headaches or Eye Strain?
Experiencing Headaches or Eye Strain?Frequent headaches during reading, screen use, or close-up tasks could signal a vision issue. If your primary doctor asks about your last eye exam—it’s time to schedule one.
Is Vision Hereditary?
Yes! Vision problems like myopia are often genetic. Here’s how the odds stack up:
- If neither parent has myopia: 25% chance for the child
- If one parent has myopia: 75% chance
- If both parents are nearsighted: Even higher risk
Choosing the Right Eye Doctor
For most eye care needs, including children’s exams, an optometrist like Dr. Lemanski is the best place to start. We provide:
- Routine eye exams
- Glasses and contact prescriptions
- Pediatric vision care
- Eye disease monitoring
If your child ever needs specialized treatment, we’ll refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist or pediatric specialist.
What If I Don’t Have Insurance?
Parmer Eye Care makes quality eye care accessible—even without insurance. Our membership plan includes:
- 2 comprehensive exams per year
- $200 off glasses or contacts
- Retinal imaging included
- Only ~$49/month or ~$528 annually
We also accept most major vision and medical insurance plans.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Expect a welcoming, family-friendly environment:
- Appointments take about 1 hour
- Kid-friendly staff experienced with all temperaments
- Onsite optical boutique to choose your perfect frames
- Glasses typically ready in 10–12 business days
Parmer Eye Care vs. Big-Box Chains
What makes us different? At Parmer Eye Care, we offer:
- In-depth comprehensive exams
- 15–20 minutes of face time with Dr. Lemanski
- Personalized care and advanced diagnostics
- A focus on your total eye health—not just a quick prescription
Book Your Eye Exam Today!
Whether you're looking for an eye exam for yourself or your child, Parmer Eye Care is your trusted local provider in Austin, TX. Schedule your appointment today and see the difference of personalized, expert care.