Early eye examinations in childhood help detect vision and eye health problems at a stage when treatment can be most effective. Many early issues cause few obvious symptoms.
Conditions Detected
Checks can reveal long- or short-sightedness, astigmatism, squint, and amblyopia, as well as rarer but serious conditions. Correcting these problems early supports normal visual development and learning.
- Untreated amblyopia can lead to permanent reduction in vision in one eye
- Children may adapt to poor sight and not complain
- Some eye diseases run in families and are best managed from an early age
- School performance and confidence may be affected by unrecognised vision issues
Practical Considerations
Children do not need to be able to read to have their eyes examined; age-appropriate tests are available. Parents should attend follow-up appointments and follow treatment plans closely.
- Routine screening does not replace full examinations when concerns arise
- Early detection may reduce the need for more intensive treatment later
- Discuss any family history of eye disease with the clinician
- Encourage children to view eye examinations as a normal part of health care
