When Should a Child Have Their First Pediatric Eye Exam?

There's no question that healthy, clear vision plays a critical role in a child's development, learning, and overall well-being. Yet, many parents may not realize how early pediatric eye care is recommended. At IC Laser Eye Care & Suburban Eye Associates in Bensalem, PA, our team of specialists offers comprehensive pediatric eye care using advanced ophthalmic technology to diagnose and treat pediatric eye conditions for children of almost all ages.

Many parents are surprised to learn that it is recommended that children have their first eye test as early as six months of age, though that can vary based on individual factors. Learn more about when your child should have their first pediatric eye exam and why early detection of children's eye conditions is essential for healthy vision.

When should a child have their first eye exam?

The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that children undergo their first eye exam at six months. This initial exam evaluates eye health and ensures proper vision development during a critical stage of growth. For otherwise healthy patients with no known risk factors or adverse findings, the recommendation for future eye exams is often:

• Children should have a second eye exam between ages 3 – 5 to assess visual acuity and detect early signs of eye conditions.
• Another eye exam is recommended before starting school to confirm that their vision is ready for learning.

Early pediatric eye exams are particularly important because eye conditions and visual impairments can develop at any stage of life. Research shows that one in four children may experience vision issues, which can impact their ability to learn, play, and interact with their environment.

Do young kids really need to go to the eye doctor?

Vision problems in children often go unnoticed because kids — particularly younger children and those not yet able to effectively communicate — may not realize their vision isn't normal. Regular eye exams allow for the early detection and treatment of children's eye conditions such as:

• Refractive errors, like nearsightedness or farsightedness
• Amblyopia (lazy eye)
• Strabismus (crossed or misaligned eyes)
• Astigmatism
• Eye diseases or other visual impairments

When left untreated, these conditions can affect a child's ability to read, focus, and perform well in school or activities. Early intervention promotes healthy visual development and can help prevent long-term complications.

What happens during a kid's eye exam?

At IC Laser Eye Care & Suburban Eye Associates, we use the latest ophthalmic equipment to provide precise and child-friendly eye exams. A pediatric eye exam typically includes:

• A comprehensive evaluation of eye structure and alignment
• Vision testing to assess clarity, focus, and depth perception
• Screening for eye conditions like amblyopia, refractive errors, and strabismus

Our experienced team creates a calm, comfortable environment to help even the youngest patients feel at ease during their exams.

How often should kids have their eyes checked?

In addition to the first recommended eye exams at six months, ages 3 – 5, and before starting school, children should continue to have regular eye exams throughout their academic years. If your child has a known eye condition, glasses, or other visual concerns, more frequent visits may be necessary. At each appointment, our caring team will discuss changes in your child's vision or concerns you may have and outline a personalized follow-up plan — including the appropriate frequency for your child's eye exams — to give you peace of mind between appointments.

Protect your child's health and development by scheduling a pediatric eye exam in Bensalem, PA

Your child's vision is vital to their growth, learning, and overall quality of life. At IC Laser Eye Care & Suburban Eye Associates in Bensalem, PA, our team offers specialized pediatric eye care to evaluate and treat eye conditions early, ensuring your child develops clear, healthy vision. Schedule your child's first eye exam today and help set them up for a lifetime of visual success.