I’ll confess: I thought the right time for my child’s first eye exam was preschool. Before that, I reasoned, how could any optometrist test his vision? Surely he needed to know his letters or a few sight words in order for the doctor to make an accurate assessment.

But, I was wrong. Truth is, many optometrists recommend getting your child’s first eye exam between the ages of six months and one year.

Wow!

Of course, the reasons for early and then Annual Eye Exams is important. Many eye diseases or issues like strabismus (crossed eyes) can be best treated if detected early.

Though your baby or toddler may not be able to identify letters on a chart, your optometrist can still check their ability to focus and make sure their eyes are tracking as they should. Some optometric professionals even have special machines to test infants and toddlers who aren’t able to read the eye chart yet.

If you’ve waited and your child is now preschool age or older, go ahead and get that eye exam scheduled before school starts. And, whatever you do, don’t assume that the school vision check is enough to count as an eye exam. School vision checks test to see how well your child can see the board at the front of the class. But, if your child has other issues, the school nurse won’t catch them. Eye diseases and other vision issues won’t be detected in that basic vision screening at school.

Plus, remember that children now days spend more time in front of screens than any other generation. This can lead to more eye fatigue and even nearsightedness. Untreated childhood vision issues can lead to permanent vision loss at worst, and learning difficulties, reading and attention span issues at best. Your child must have good vision to have the best chance at succeeding in school, and only an eye exam by a licensed doctor of optometry can ensure that.

No matter what age your child is: be it nine months, nine years or almost nineteen, make sure you get in the habit of scheduling regular annual eye exams for them.

Call your closest Eyeglass World and make an appointment before school begins again and then mark your calendar to take them every year at this time. Your child’s vision is too important not to take care of, and your friends at Eyeglass World will make sure it’s easy and affordable!