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Parents often wonder when it’s appropriate to schedule an eye exam for their infant. A child’s first visit to the eye doctor will confirm their overall eye health and can identify conditions that could impact their safety or classroom performance. If you’re unsure of when to schedule an optometrist appointment for your little one, here’s some information to consider.

Understanding Vision Care for Children

When Should a Child First Visit the Eye Doctor?

According to the American Optometric Association, children should visit the eye doctor for the first time at around 6 months of age. This first visit will measure pupil response, the ability to follow and on an object, and other basic vision capabilities such as identifying colors and shapes.

Eye DoctorTheir next eye exam should be at around the age of 3 with a follow-up just before they enter kindergarten. Since a child’s eyesight is in constant development, you should take them for annual exams between the ages of 6 and 18. 

How Should I Prepare My Child for Their Exam?

Since they focus only on eye movement and light reaction, infant eye exams are noninvasive and won’t cause your child any distress or discomfort. To make the appointment fun, eye doctors recommend bringing along some of your child’s favorite toys or snacks.

To make the most of your appointment, bring along information on your family’s vision history, which can help diagnose any issues. Schedule the exam after nap time to avoid disrupting your child’s sleep cycle, which can make them fussy or decrease their attention span.

 

If you’re looking for an eye doctor in Southern Wisconsin to perform a comprehensive eye exam on your child, visit Medical Eye Associates, S.C. With offices in 4 different cities, they have served the community since 1939 with state-of-the-art equipment and personalized treatment. Visit their website to learn more about their practice, and call (262) 363-5333 for an appointment in Mukwonago, (262) 547-3352 for Waukesha, (262) 560-4224 for Oconomowoc, or (414) 259-1420 for Milwaukee.

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