What’s the Right Age for a Child’s First Eye Exam?
The Recommended Age for a First Eye Exam
According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), infants should have their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months old. This might come as a surprise, but even at that age, doctors can check for key developmental markers, alignment issues, and early signs of eye conditions. After the initial visit, the next exams are recommended at age 3 and again before starting kindergarten (around age 5 or 6).
Why Early Exams Are So Important
The first few years of a child’s life are critical for visual development. During this time, the eyes and brain work together to build the foundation for essential skills like depth perception, hand-eye coordination, and reading readiness. Undiagnosed conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), or significant refractive errors can delay this progress and even lead to permanent vision loss if untreated.
Signs Your Child May Need an Earlier Exam
While scheduled exams are important, some children may need to be seen sooner if they show symptoms of a potential issue. Keep an eye out for:
- Frequent eye rubbing
- Poor eye contact
- Excessive tearing
- One eye turning in or out
- Difficulty focusing or tracking objects
- Head tilting when looking at things
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to consult an eye care professional immediately.
What to Expect During a Pediatric Eye Exam
Eye exams for young children are designed to be simple, non-invasive, and even fun. At Harvey & Lewis, our experienced doctors use lights, patterns, and pictures to assess how your child’s eyes are developing. We test for:
- Visual acuity
- Eye alignment and movement
- Depth perception
- Pupil responses
- Early signs of eye diseases
We also use advanced technology like Visual Field and OCT (available at most locations) for a more in-depth look at eye health when needed.
How Vision Affects Learning and Development
Vision problems can significantly impact your child’s ability to learn, play, and interact. In fact, 80% of learning in early childhood is visual. Poor eyesight can be mistaken for developmental delays, behavioral issues, or learning disabilities. A comprehensive eye exam can help distinguish vision-related issues from other concerns, enabling timely interventions.
Where to Get Expert Pediatric Eye Care
At Harvey & Lewis Opticians, we provide trusted care for patients of all ages, including children as young as 6 months. With over 130 years of experience, our family-owned practice offers pediatric eye exams at eight convenient Connecticut locations, including West Hartford, Glastonbury, Enfield, and Canton. We accept most major insurances and offer in-house lens manufacturing for faster service.
Our board-certified doctors—including Dr. Danielle Sabelli and Dr. Robin Segal—specialize in early childhood vision health and make each visit comfortable and informative for families. Contact us to schedule an eye exam.
