Experts and parents agree it's key parents choose a pediatric optometrist or ophthalmologist when they decide to see an eye doctor. "There's a real skill to doing good vision examination [in kids]," says pediatric ophthalmologist David Wheeler.

A comprehensive exam includes dilating the child's pupils via special drops to examine the entire eye and optic nerve. Kids also must identify pictures from varying distances and perform other subtle vision tests.

The entire visit can take up to 90 minutes. It is best to see professionals used to dealing with squirmy little ones who probably won't take kindly to having drops put in their eyes and sitting for lengthy periods.