Have you ever wondered when you should bring your child in for their first eye exam? During the first 3 years of life, screening examinations for visual acuity, eye alignment and ocular health should be performed. Your child's screenings can be performed by our doctors or by your child's pediatrician. If a problem is discovered during the screening, our doctors may complete a more extensive eye examination. If your child has a family history of eye or vision problems, was born premature or you have noticed a problem, make sure to obtain a complete eye assessment. In some cases a referral to a pediatric ophthalmologist may be indicated. By 3 years of age, the average child will usually cooperate for an effective assessment of the visual and ocular systems. It is recommended that your child be screened at the following intervals. ( Reference: The American Academy of Ophthalmology, Preferred Practice Pattern 1997) - Newborn to 3 months - 6 months to 1 year - 3 years (approximately)- 5 years (approximately) School age children should be examined every 1-2 years, depending on their eye conditions.