Safe and Comfortable Pediatric Eye Exam at Foley Vision Center, Amesbury, MA

Your child’s vision plays a vital role in how they learn, grow, and experience the world. At Foley Vision Center, we offer gentle and thorough pediatric eye exams that support healthy development and help identify vision issues early. Our caring team creates a relaxed environment where children feel safe and parents feel confident.

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Why Pediatric Eye Exams Matter

Children often don’t realize they’re having trouble seeing — they assume everyone sees the way they do. That’s why early eye exams are so important:

• Detect vision problems before they affect learning or behavior
• Support healthy eye development during critical growth stages
• Prevent small issues from becoming long-term challenges
• Boost confidence in school, sports, and social activities

Clear vision helps children read, play, and explore with ease. At Foley Vision Center, we believe every child deserves the best possible start.

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Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Exam

Sometimes, children don’t know how to explain when they can’t see well. They might struggle quietly without realizing something is wrong. Parents can help by watching for a few common signs that suggest an eye problem.

Look for these behaviors:

• Squinting or tilting the head to see clearly
• Holding books or screens very close
• Avoiding reading, coloring, or puzzles
• Complaining of headaches or tired eyes
• Short attention span or frequent distractions

These signs may indicate that your child is having trouble focusing or seeing objects at certain distances. Vision problems can make schoolwork harder and lower your child’s confidence.

If you notice any of these signs, schedule a pediatric eye exam to ensure your child’s vision is on track.

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Common Eye Conditions in Children

Some childhood eye problems are easy to spot — others are more subtle. Our exams are designed to catch both.

Conditions we commonly diagnose and treat:

• Strabismus: Misaligned eyes, often called “crossed eyes”
• Amblyopia: “Lazy eye,” where one eye has weaker vision
• Refractive errors: Blurry vision due to eye shape, including:
• Myopia (nearsightedness): Clear up close, blurry far away
• Hyperopia (farsightedness): Blurry up close, clear at a distance
• Astigmatism: Distorted or fuzzy vision at all distances

Most of these conditions respond well to early treatment with glasses, eye exercises, or vision therapy. Our goal is to help your child see clearly and confidently.

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Advanced Technology for Pediatric Eye Exams

Modern tools make eye exams faster, safer, and more accurate — especially for children:

• Digital retinal imaging: Captures detailed pictures of the back of the eye
• Non-contact scanning: Allows us to examine the eye without touching it
• Child-friendly equipment: Designed to keep kids relaxed and engaged

These tools help us detect issues that may not be visible during a basic screening. And because the process is gentle and quick, children feel comfortable throughout the exam.

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Recommended Eye Exam Schedule for Growing Children

Vision changes rapidly during childhood. Regular exams help ensure your child’s eyes are developing properly.

• 6–12 months: First full eye exam to check for early issues.
• Around age 3: Assess visual development and eye coordination.
• Before starting school: Confirm readiness for reading and learning.
• Every 1–2 years after: Monitor changes and update prescriptions.

Even if your child passes a school vision screening, a comprehensive eye exam provides a more in-depth examination of how their eyes function and work together.

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Preparing for Your Child’s Eye Exam

Help your child feel at ease and get the most accurate results:

• Bring any current glasses or prescriptions
• Share any concerns or symptoms you’ve noticed
• Let your child know the exam is quick and painless
• Encourage questions — we love curious minds!

During the visit, Dr. Foley will assess your child’s vision, eye alignment, and overall eye health. You’ll receive clear explanations, answers to your questions, and a personalized care plan tailored to your needs.

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Meet Dr. Matthew D. Foley, O.D.

Dr. Matthew Foley, O.D., founder and lead optometrist at Foley Vision Center, has over 20 years of experience caring for families across Massachusetts and New Hampshire. A graduate of the New England College of Optometry in Boston, he also studied at the University of Massachusetts Lowell and Northeastern University.

Dr. Foley is known for his gentle approach, advanced diagnostic skills, and dedication to pediatric eye care. Outside the clinic, he enjoys time at Lake Winnipesaukee, Plum Island, Maudslay State Park, and Hampton Beach — and is passionate about supporting children and rescue animals.

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Payment and Insurance

We accept a variety of insurance plans and offer flexible payment options for your convenience. To confirm coverage, please get in touch with our office. We work with many providers, including:

• AARP
• Aetna
• AllWays Health Partners
• Anthem
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Cigna
• EyeMed
• Fallon Health
• Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
• Health Plans
• Humana
• Humana Military
• Mass General Brigham
• Medicare
• Spectera
• Tufts Health Plans
• UniCare
• United Healthcare
• VSP Vision Care
• Wellpoint

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Contact Information:

Foley Vision Center
100 Macy St STE K
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 792-4400