We hear a lot about seeing your eye doctor regularly. In school-aged children, ages 5 through 17, what does regularly mean?
The American Optometric Association and the American Public Health Association recommend that children have their first eye exam at 6 to 12 months of age.
Before Age 1:
Dr. Feucht and Dr. Saini will examine your childs eyes for disease, normal eye structure development, signs of amblyopia (lazy eye) and other vision disorders. Early detection and intervention can prevent vision problems that may have lifelong effects.
Age 3:
Dr. Feucht and Dr. Saini will check and assess visual acuity, eye health, eye movement, focusing and binocular vision (the ability for both eyes to work together as a team). Your child's eyes will again be checked for warning signs of amblyopia, which is most responsive to treatment if diagnosed by the age of 3.
Age 5:
At age 5, its time to test your childs readiness for the visual demands of school. 80% of what children learn in school is presented visually.
After your child starts school, it is recommended that they get a comprehensive eye health and vision exam at Eyes on Worcester, at least once a year. Sending a child to school with an undetected vision problem may lead to severe learning difficulties. The risk of a child failing one grade is 3 times higher for children who have worse than 20/20 vision.