Childen's Hospital Boston  300 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 355-6000
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My Child Has:
Eye Examinations and Visual Screening
Programs that perform this test
 General Ophthalmology Program    Adults with Strabismus  
 Low Vision Service    Martha Eliot Health Center  
When are eye examinations necessary?
Image A child's brain is rapidly developing, and any visual problems a child may experience may disrupt the development of visual pathways to the brain. A critical stage of visual development occurs in the first months of life, during which time the brain must receive clear visual messages from both eyes.

Vision screening is performed by the pediatrician or primary care provider beginning shortly after birth. Children often cannot tell you when they are having problems with their vision. Vision screening helps identify those children who may need further eye examinations and testing. The earlier the detection of vision problems, the more successful the treatment.

However, many children are not adequately screened for eye problems. Early detection and treatment can prevent loss of vision, learning difficulties, and delayed development.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have recommended the following screening stages, to be performed by the pediatrician or primary care provider:

  • newborn - All newborns are examined in the nursery for eye infections and other eye disorders, such as glaucoma and cataract.
  • 6 months - Vision screening of infants should be performed during the well-baby visits, particularly the primary care doctor will look at the light reflections in the two eyes (sometimes called the "red eye" reflection in photographs) to check for asymmetry.
  • 3 to 4 years - Formal visual acuity tests and the complete eye examination should be performed.
  • 5 years and older - Annual vision screening tests and eye examinations should be performed.
Always discuss eye examinations and vision screening with your child's physician.
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 X The information on this website should not be taken as medical advice,
which can only be given to you by your personal health care professional.
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