Pediatric Eye Doctor in Minnetonka, MN

Edina Eye Clinic, serving Minnetonka, MN, is a trusted pediatric eye doctor practice with more than 60 years of ophthalmology experience. Early detection of vision problems may be one of the most important steps a parent takes for a child's long-term health and learning. If your child is due for an eye exam, call 952-920-2020 today to schedule an appointment.
Vision plays a central role in how children learn to read, play sports, and interact with the world. Many conditions that affect kids' eyes are treatable when caught early, but can become harder to address if left unchecked. Families across Minnetonka, MN, rely on Edina Eye Clinic for compassionate, child-focused ophthalmology care backed by a team of board-certified physicians.
When Should My Child Have Their First Eye Exam?
Children benefit from a professional eye exam starting as early as 6 months of age. The American Optometric Association recommends exams at 6 months, age 3, and again before kindergarten at age 5, followed by annual comprehensive exams every year thereafter. Minnetonka families often notice that vision issues surface right around kindergarten, when reading demands increase and undetected problems can start affecting classroom performance.
Here is a simple schedule to follow:
- First exam at 6 months of age.
- Second exam at age 3.
- Pre-kindergarten exam at age 5.
- Annual comprehensive exams every year after age 5.
Catching problems at these milestones may prevent long-term learning and developmental challenges. If a teacher or parent notices signs of squinting, head tilting, or sitting too close to screens, scheduling a visit with a pediatric eye doctor sooner is always the right move.
What Conditions Does a Pediatric Eye Doctor Treat?
A pediatric eye doctor evaluates and manages a range of conditions that specifically affect developing eyes. Early treatment often produces the best outcomes. The Edina Eye Clinic team regularly evaluates children for conditions that respond well to early care, including:
- Amblyopia (lazy eye): A condition where one eye develops weaker vision than the other, which can cause permanent vision loss if not treated in childhood.
- Strabismus (crossed or misaligned eyes): Misalignment that may affect depth perception and visual development over time.
- Myopia (nearsightedness): Increasingly common in school-age children across the Twin Cities area, and manageable with corrective lenses or other approaches.
- Refractive errors: Including farsightedness and astigmatism, which can make reading and focusing difficult for young students.
- Congenital cataracts: Present at birth and requiring prompt evaluation to protect visual development.
What to Expect During a Children's Eye Exam
Every visit at Edina Eye Clinic is calm, age-appropriate, and thorough. Screening tools are adapted for children who cannot yet read a standard eye chart, so even very young patients can receive an accurate evaluation. A typical exam includes:
- A health history review with the parent or guardian.
- Visual acuity testing using child-friendly tools.
- Eye alignment and movement evaluation.
- Refraction testing to check for refractive errors.
- Internal and external eye health assessment, with dilation when clinically appropriate.
The team takes time to explain findings in plain language so parents leave with a clear picture of their child's eye health and any recommended next steps.
Our Physicians and Clinical Experience
Edina Eye Clinic brings deep clinical credentials to every pediatric visit. Dr. Rhondi Meiusi, MD, trained at Mayo Medical School and completed her ophthalmology residency at the University of Minnesota, where she earned the Harry Plotke Award for patient care and compassion. Dr. Harter, OD, brings 25 years of Twin Cities optometry experience to the team. Together with the broader Edina Eye Clinic staff, they deliver the kind of thorough, unhurried care that parents trust for their children's vision.
The clinic has served the greater Twin Cities region since the 1970s, and many Minnetonka families are now multi-generational patients. That continuity of care means the team understands your child's eye history and can track changes over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know If My Child Has a Vision Problem?
Signs can vary by age, but common indicators include squinting, frequent eye rubbing, tilting the head to one side, or sitting very close to screens and books. Younger children may not know how to describe blurry vision, so regular exams are the most reliable way to detect issues early.
Is a Pediatric Eye Exam Different from a School Vision Screening?
Yes, a school screening is a limited pass/fail check that can miss many conditions. A comprehensive pediatric eye exam with a trained ophthalmologist or optometrist evaluates visual acuity, eye alignment, focusing ability, depth perception, color vision, and overall eye health in much greater detail.
Can Children Be Treated for Amblyopia?
Amblyopia is one of the most common treatable conditions in children, and early intervention typically yields the best results. Treatment may include patching the stronger eye, corrective lenses, or other therapies depending on the severity. Contact Edina Eye Clinic to discuss your child's specific situation.
Does Edina Eye Clinic Accept Pediatric Patients from Minnetonka?
Yes. Edina Eye Clinic proudly serves families throughout Minnetonka, MN, and the surrounding Twin Cities communities. The clinic is conveniently located at 3939 W 50th Street, Suite 200, in Edina, a short drive from Minnetonka neighborhoods including Ridgedale, Glen Lake, and Minnetonka Mills.
How Do I Schedule a Pediatric Eye Exam?
Call 952-920-2020 to schedule an appointment with our pediatric eye doctor team. You can also visit our eye examinations page to learn more about what a comprehensive visit includes. New patients are welcome, and the team can help coordinate insurance and registration paperwork in advance.
Schedule Your Child's Vision Exam Today
Children's vision changes quickly, and annual exams help ensure nothing is missed. Edina Eye Clinic, serving Minnetonka, MN, with over 60 years of board-certified ophthalmology experience, may be the right fit for your family. Call
952-920-2020 or visit our
physicians page to learn more about the team before your child's first visit.
3939 W 50th Street, Suite 200, Edina, MN 55424











