When should my child have their first eye exam?

When Should My Child Have Their First Eye Exam?

Your child’s first eye exam is an important milestone in their overall health and development. It's recommended that children have their first comprehensive eye exam at six months old to ensure their eyes are developing properly. After the initial test, a follow-up exam should be scheduled around age 3, and then again before they start school.

Why Are Early Eye Exams Important for Children?

Early eye exams help detect any vision issues that could affect your child’s learning and development. Children often don’t realise they have a vision problem, so regular eye tests are crucial for catching issues early. Some common childhood eye problems include:

• Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): A condition where one eye develops weaker vision than the other.
• Strabismus (Crossed Eyes): A misalignment of the eyes that can affect depth perception and coordination.
• Refractive Errors: Conditions like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism, which can be corrected with glasses.

By diagnosing and treating these conditions early, you can help ensure your child’s vision develops correctly, setting them up for success in school and beyond.

Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Exam Sooner

While the general recommendation is to have your child’s first eye exam at six months, certain signs may indicate a need for earlier or more frequent testing. These include:

• Squinting or Tilting the Head: This may suggest difficulty focusing or seeing clearly.
• Frequent Eye Rubbing: This could be a sign of eye strain or fatigue.
• Lack of Eye Contact or Focus: If your baby or toddler isn’t tracking objects or making eye contact, it may be a sign of a vision problem.
• Difficulty with Hand-Eye Coordination: Trouble with activities like catching a ball may indicate a vision issue.

How to Prepare for Your Child’s Eye Exam

At City Optics, our optometrists are experienced in working with children and making eye exams a comfortable experience. We use specialised tests and tools designed for young children to ensure their vision is thoroughly assessed without causing stress.

During your child’s first eye exam, we’ll check their:

• Visual Acuity: How well they can see at different distances.
• Eye Alignment and Movement: Ensuring both eyes work together properly.
• Focus Ability: Ensuring their eyes can focus and track objects correctly.

City Optics: Eye Care for the Whole Family

At City Optics, we’re committed to providing high-quality, compassionate eye care for patients of all ages. We offer comprehensive eye exams for children to ensure their vision is developing as it should, giving you peace of mind about your child’s eye health.

Is your child due for their first eye exam? Click the Book Now button below to schedule their appointment at City Optics today!