When should a child’s first eye exam be?

If there is a family history of eye problems, other than the need for glasses, or if you suspect an eye problem, children should have their first eye examination at 6 months of age.  Signs of vision problems include:  a turned or crossed eye, a whitish area within the pupil of the eye or if your child is unable to follow movements by 6 months of age.

If there are signs of problems and no family history then 3 years old is a great age for a first eye checkup.  Don’t worry if you child is shy or doesn’t know their alphabet yet as a child’s eye exam is often much different than an adults…we have pictures and can collect a lot of information even if they don’t say a word.

Michael D Nelson, Optometrist