Parents often wonder when their child should first see an eye doctor. The answer is simple and helps ensure great eye health for children.
Beach Kids Pediatrics has an answer that is fairly straightforward. It will help you know how to ensure your child has a foundation for great eye health.
Initial Exam
The American Optometric Association (AOA) suggests a comprehensive eye exam at the 6-month checkup. Pediatricians usually conduct this exam during the visit. They check if the child can follow objects and observe their surroundings in ways appropriate for their age and development.
Next Exams
Doctors recommend additional exams at age 3 and again before starting kindergarten, usually between ages 5 and 6. These exams ensure children have the vision needed to learn successfully during primary school.
Common Vision Problems
Several conditions can affect a child’s learning in school, including:
- Near or distance vision problems
- Poor binocular (two-eye) coordination
- Inadequate eye movement and tracking skills
- Issues with focusing or peripheral awareness
- Problems with hand-eye coordination
Schools often require eye exams for new students to identify and address any potential vision problems early.
What Are the Findings of These Initial Exams?
Eye exams reveal that 10–15% of school-aged children experience vision issues. Most problems, like refractive errors, resolve easily with corrective eyewear tailored to the child’s needs. Rarely, children may require corrective surgery, which follows diagnosis and attempts at less invasive treatments.
Tell Your Eye Doctor the Following
During your child’s eye exam, share any concerns that might affect their vision. Let the doctor know if you’ve noticed:
- Premature birth history
- Delayed motor development
- Frequent eye rubbing or blinking
- Poor eye contact or gaze maintenance
- Difficulty tracking objects
These observations can help doctors identify potential problems and provide the best care.
Routine Eye Exams Are Essential
Regular eye exams detect and address vision issues early, ensuring your child can learn and thrive. Early treatment supports their success in school and beyond.
Child Eye Doctor: Contact Us Today
To schedule a comprehensive physical, including an eye exam for your child, contact Beach Kids Pediatrics. Our pediatric specialists are specially trained to detect vision issues in children, and help you find the best specialist for any issues that may occur.
