Eyesight is certainly one of the things a pediatrician assesses during check-ups. However, the National Society to Prevent Blindness recommends a professional eye exam by a doctor of ophthalmology for children shortly after birth, at six months and before entering kindergarten. The society also advises parents to have their children's vision checked periodically throughout their school years to detect any signs of trouble. Some common childhood eye problems center on the eye's ability to focus. Because the eye is longer than normal, close objects look clear but far-away objects appear blurred.
Most children are normally a bit farsighted, and no correction is needed.
Hyperopia must be corrected, however, if vision decreases or the child's eye crosses. Both near and far vision is distorted. Ophthalmologists may prescribe eyeglasses to correct these problems or to improve a child's vision. This problem results in the loss or lessening of vision in the affected eye. According to Dr. Burton Kushner of the University of Wisconsin Pediatric Eye Clinic, amblyopia springs from four other vision problems.