Excellent vision is essential to a child’s growth, academic success, and general well-being. At Hawaii Vision Clinic in Aiea and Honolulu, the leading ophthalmologist, Dr. William K. Wong, Jr. stresses the importance of routine pediatric eye exams to ensure proper development.

Dr. Wong and his outstanding, family-focused team recognize that early detection can lead to effective treatment. They present the following timeline of when you should schedule eye exams for your child:

1. Infant Eye Exam

A trusted ophthalmologist should look at a newborn’s eyes and perform a test, called red reflex, to ensure the baby’s eyes are normal. A more thorough exam should be given if the baby is premature, exhibits signs of abnormalities as indicated by the pediatrician, or has a family history of vision disorders. A second exam should be performed when the baby is between six months and one year to confirm satisfactory eye health.

2. Preschool Screening

Sometime around the age of three, a child should be checked by a skilled ophthalmologist for good vision and eye alignment. Clarity of vision (visual acuity) should be determined as soon as a child can cooperate using an eye chart. A visual acuity exam will let the doctor know how well the child can focus from specified distances. Most children will not need glasses or other corrective tools at this age.

3. School Age

Upon entering school, children’s eyes should be screened regularly. Children rely on their vision in the classroom as well as on the playground, and when vision suffers, so can school and activities. Since in-school screenings may not be comprehensive enough, consider visiting your trusted ophthalmologist at least once every two years.

Your child can experience changes in vision without even knowing. Trust the expert ophthalmologists at Hawaii Vision Clinic to manage every aspect of your child’s eye health. They deliver preeminent care to adults and children using state-of-the-art-technology in a pleasant setting. Call today at (808) 487-7938 to schedule an appointment for your child, and visit them online to learn more.