Infants and children grow incredibly fast. The brain and the eye develop together and have critical periods of development. Amblyopia or “lazy eye” must be detected before age 6. Eyeglasses and contact lenses will never be fully effective if vision has not developed within this critical period.

To ensure that you’re giving your child the best shot at success, follow the AOA recommended schedule for pediatric eye exams:

• First exam: recommended by the time they are 1 year old.

• Second exam: recommended between the ages of 2 and 5 years old. 

• Third exam: always mandatory and documented within 6 months prior to the start of kindergarten in Illinois.

Remember that kids don’t know what the world is supposed to look like!  It is our responsibility to make sure that their sight is at its peak potential.