Pediatric Evaluation

The Importance of Early Detection

The development of vision occurs rapidly after birth. Any vision and eye problems that are not detected early may have a significant impact on the development of a child. If a problem is detected and treated early, other areas of development will less likely be affected.

An infant's first vision examination should take place at six months of age. This is to determine visual or eye abnormalities that could have been present at birth or developed shortly thereafter. If no problems are found at this initial assessment the child should be evaluated at preschool age unless there is a history of hereditary eye diseases or visual difficulties in the family, an assessment is advised at age 3 years, 5 years and again at pre-school.

Pre-School Vision Evaluation

A comprehensive eye examination at a very early age may identify a visual problem which could prevent the child achieving his full potential at school, being involved with music, dancing, sport etc. During the school years, good vision and visual skills are important for the ability to read, write and learn. Any visual problems need to be detected and corrected before they lead to learning and/or behaviour problems.

Although many children receive eye screenings at school, these are not as comprehensive nor as frequent as might be desirable, and they will usually only identify the most obvious sight defects, how clearly your child sees at distance and near and does not necessarily assess important visual skills such as eye movement, teaming (binocular vision) etc. Once your child starts school, he/she should have a thorough, visual evaluation at least once a year.