As a parent, you always want the best for your child, and ensuring their overall health includes taking care of their eyesight. Scheduling their first eye exam is an essential step in monitoring their visual development and detecting any potential issues early on. But when exactly should your child have their first eye exam?

Infant Eye Exams

Believe it or not, your child’s first eye exam should take place much earlier than you might think. The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that infants undergo their initial comprehensive eye exam between 6 and 12 months of age. This early examination allows eye doctors to detect any potential vision problems or eye conditions that could impact your child’s visual development.

Preschool Eye Exams

The next milestone in your child’s eye care journey is during their preschool years. The AOA suggests that children have another eye exam around the age of 3. At this stage, your eye doctor in Jesup, GA will evaluate your child’s visual acuity, eye alignment, and overall eye health. Early detection of any vision problems can help ensure that your child is ready for school and able to learn effectively.

School-Age Eye Exams

As your child enters school, regular eye exams become even more critical. The AOA recommends that school-age children without any known vision problems have an eye exam every two years. However, if your child wears glasses or contacts, or if they have a known eye condition, annual exams are recommended.

Keep in mind that school vision screenings, while very helpful, are not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam by a professional eye doctor. These screenings may detect some vision problems, but they can miss other issues that a comprehensive eye exam is more likely to catch.

Remember, your child’s first eye exam should take place during infancy, with subsequent exams at age 3 and then every two years during their school years. Ensuring regular eye exams for your child can help detect vision problems early, allowing for timely intervention and treatment. Maintaining your child’s eye health is a crucial part of their overall well-being and success in school and life. Book an eye exam in Jesup, GA for your child today.