Get Your Child’s Vision Checked

Screening Tests

Section #1 The Basics: Overview

It’s important for all children to have their vision checked at least once between ages 3 and 5. Even if children don’t show signs of eye problems, they still need their vision checked. Finding and treating eye problems early on can save a child’s sight.

Healthy eyes and vision are very important to a child’s development. Growing children constantly use their eyes, both at play and in the classroom.

What are common eye problems in children?

These common eye problems can be treated if they are found early enough:

• Lazy eye (amblyopia)
• Crossed eyes (strabismus)

Other conditions — like being nearsighted or farsighted — can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Conditions like these are called refractive errors.

Is my child at risk for vision problems?

If your family has a history of childhood vision problems, your child may be more likely to have eye problems. Talk to the doctor about eye problems in your family.

Section #2 The Basics: Eye Exams

Eye exams are part of regular checkups.

The doctor will check your child’s eyes during each checkup, beginning with your child’s first well-baby visit.

Around age 3 or 4, the doctor will do a more complete eye exam to make sure your child's vision is developing normally. If there are any problems, the doctor may send your child to an eye doctor.

Section #3 Take Action: See a Doctor

Follow these steps to protect your child’s vision.

Talk to your child’s doctor.

Ask the doctor or nurse if there are any problems with your child’s vision.

If the doctor recommends a visit to an eye care professional:

• Ask the doctor for the name of an eye doctor who is good with kids. You can also use these tips to find an eye doctor.
• Write down any information about your child’s vision problem.
• Plan your child’s visit to the eye doctor. 

Section #4 Take Action: Cost and Insurance

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, the health care reform law passed in 2010, health insurance plans must cover vision screening for kids.

• If you have private insurance, your child may be able to get screened at no cost to you. Check with your insurance provider.
• Medicaid and CHIP also cover vision care for kids.

For information about other services for children that are covered by the Affordable Care Act, visit HealthCare.gov.

If you don’t have health insurance, check these websites for free or low-cost eye care programs for children.

• Financial Aid for Eye Care
• Sight for Students
• InfantSEE

Section #5 Take Action: Eye Problems

Look out for problems.

Schedule an eye exam for your child if you see signs of an eye problem, like if your child’s eyes:

• Look crossed
• Turn outwards
• Don’t focus together
• Are red, crusted, or swollen around the eyelids

Know the warning signs of vision problems in children. 

Section #6 Take Action: Prevent Eye Injuries

Protect your child’s eyes.

• Don’t let your child play with toys that have sharp edges or points.
• Keep sharp or pointed objects, like knives and scissors, away from your child.
• Protect your child’s eyes from the sun with kids’ sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
• Keep chemicals and sprays (like cleaners and bug spray) in places that kids can't reach.
• Make sure your child wears the right eye protection for sports.

Get more tips on preventing eye accidents. 

Section #7 Take Action: Vision Development

Help develop your child’s vision.

It takes skill to match up what we see with what we want to do — like when we want to bounce a ball or read a book.

Here are some activities that can help your child develop vision skills:

• Read to your child and let your child see what you are reading.
• Play with your child using a chalkboard, finger paints, or blocks.
• Take your child to the playground to climb the jungle gym and walk on the balance beam.
• Play catch with your child.