When Should My Child Have Their First Eye Exam?

A child’s eyesight develops rapidly in the first few years of life, and many sight-threatening conditions show no obvious symptoms. Regular eye checks at the right ages catch problems early — when they are most treatable. Yet most parents wait until a child complains or fails a school test, by which time valuable treatment time may already be lost.

The Recommended Schedule

• Newborn: Every baby should have a red-reflex test before leaving hospital to rule out cataract, glaucoma and retinoblastoma. Premature babies need ROP screening.
• 6–12 months: A check to confirm the eyes are aligned and developing normally.
• 3 years: The first formal vision test, using picture or matching charts.
• Before school (5–6 years): A full assessment of vision, alignment and any need for glasses.
• Ongoing: Every 1–2 years through childhood, or sooner if symptoms appear.

See a Doctor Sooner If You Notice

A white reflex in flash photos, an eye that turns in or out after 4 months of age, constant watering, frequent rubbing, sitting very close to the TV, holding books close, a head tilt, squinting, or unexplained poor performance at school.

Why It Matters

The visual system matures by about age 7–8. Conditions such as amblyopia and squint must be detected and treated within this window. A simple, painless check can prevent lifelong vision loss. At Suraj Eye Institute, paediatric eye exams are tailored to each age group using child-friendly, painless tests.