We work with a lot of parents and children at Mountainview Vision Therapy. We know you love your kids. You want them to have the best possible opportunities to succeed in life. We think you’ll agree with us that good health and good vision is a big part of that. 

So when is the correct time to schedule your child’s first eye exam?

We recommend having your baby’s eyes checked by an eye doctor between six months and one year of age. Preventive treatment for certain conditions can be time sensitive, so we recommend not delaying this, even if the pediatrician hasn’t mentioned any eye problems. Early detection almost always improves the prognosis for treatment.

Some conditions we frequently see in babies are strabismus (eye turn) and amblyopia (commonly referred to as “lazy eye” where visual acuity is reduced due to non-disease related factors). Amblyopia is a leading cause of vision loss in children.  As many as 1 in 20 children may have this condition. Early treatment with patching and vision therapy is key in reversing the effects of this condition. Treating these conditions in older children and adults is possible, but is often more difficult and time consuming. So why wait? 

Other considerations for having your child’s eyes checked

When determining the urgency of your child’s first eye exam, you may find it helpful to consider your family history. Many vision conditions are hereditary, so parents who experienced vision disorders when they were young may be likely to have children with similar conditions.

If you sense that something isn’t right with your child’s vision, trust your gut! Watch for clues, consult with others, and if you’re still worried, please know that we are more than happy to answer your questions. 

Our doctors and staff are experts at working with children and babies. When you come in for your child’s eye exam, we will be happy to answer your questions and make sure your child is on a path to good, healthy vision.