How Often Should Children Have an Eye Exam?

How often should your child have an eye exam? The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends booking an eye exam before their first birthday. This is followed by another exam before they start school, and then every year until the age of 18. However, children with a family history of eye conditions or other risk factors may need more frequent exams. You can read more about the suggested timeline below.

We understand that parents only want the best for their children. Call Kirk Eye Center to book an appointment in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, or Chicago, IL. See why so many families trust us with their care.

Babies 6 – 12 months

The first year of a child's life is full of milestones. But did you know their vision is also changing during this time? Eye-hand coordination, depth perception, and other skills evolve within the first year of life. For example, infants learn how to focus on objects and track them with their eyes.

Even though babies cannot communicate as clearly as older children, their eyes still need proper care. This is why their first eye exam should ideally take place around six months of age. At Kirk Eye Center, our experienced team will check for eye health concerns and assess their development. We'll also review any questions you may have as a parent.

Preschoolers 3 – 5 years

As your child starts exploring the world around them, their eyes are also working hard to keep up. At this age, they're learning fine motor skills and starting to recognize letters and numbers. These activities require good vision, so it's important to have their eyes checked before they start attending school.

The AOA recommends booking an eye exam before starting kindergarten or entering preschool. At this stage, Kirk Eye Center can screen for common vision problems that occur during the early years, such as refractive errors, crossed eyes (strabismus), lazy eye (amblyopia), and more. We also provide visual aids like glasses that will help your child succeed in school.

School-aged children 6 – 18 years

Once your child starts school in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, or Chicago, IL, their eyes become even more critical for everyday tasks. Reading, writing, and using computers all require good vision. Children should attend annual exams to ensure their eyes stay healthy.

As children grow, they may become nearsighted (myopia), farsighted (hyperopia), or develop astigmatism. Eye exams allow Kirk Eye Center to catch these changes early and provide glasses or contact lenses if needed. Our team also provides tips on preventing eye strain while using digital devices.

Special considerations

Some children need more frequent eye exams than others, such as those with a family history of eye conditions or other risk factors. These include premature birth, developmental delays, and some medical conditions. If you have concerns about your child's eye health or notice changes in their vision, don't wait for their next annual exam. Contact Kirk Eye Center as soon as possible.

Book regular eye exams for your child

As you can see, eye exams are just as important for children as they are for adults. By monitoring their vision and eye health from a young age, we can help prevent potential issues and ensure that your child has good vision. Contact Kirk Eye Center for an eye exam in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, or Chicago, IL. Our specialists know how to provide top-quality care for your family.