Worried about how your child sees, reads, or writes?

Who does what — and who to call first

Families often get bounced between offices. Here is the short version of who handles what, in roughly the order most families need it.

1. 1

   Eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist)

   Checks eye health, whether glasses are needed, and how the eyes work together. This is the only person who can diagnose an eye condition.

   Call them when: Start here. Go first if it has been over a year, or right away for an eye that turns, double vision, or any sudden change.

2. 2

   Vision specialist (developmental or behavioral optometrist)

   A deeper look at eye teaming, focusing, and tracking during sustained near work, and vision therapy when it is indicated.

   Call them when: Your regular eye exam was clean but reading still causes headaches, double vision, or place-keeping problems.

3. 3

   Occupational therapist

   Looks at how your child uses their vision to do real things — reading, writing, copying, moving safely — and builds supports and skills around that.

   Call them when: Vision has been checked and daily tasks are still hard. In schools, ask the special education team; in the community, ask your pediatrician for a referral.

4. 4

   Teacher and school team

   Sees your child working all day. Can adjust seating, print size, copying demands, and time limits, and can start the process of a school evaluation.

   Call them when: Right away, alongside the eye exam. Bring specific observations, not just 'she is struggling.'

5. 5

   Pediatrician

   Rules out other medical causes for headaches or fatigue and writes referrals.

   Call them when: Headaches, dizziness, or fatigue are part of the picture, or you need a referral.

One rule underneath all of this: anything already diagnosed can be worked around and supported right now. Anything new, undiagnosed, or changing gets looked at by an eye doctor — and support at home and school continues while you wait for that appointment.