The following is recommended:

Newborns

A doctor or other trained health professional may examine a newborn's eyes to check basic indicators of eye health. The examination includes the “red reflex” and the blink and pupillary response.

An ophthalmologist can perform a general ophthalmic examination if the baby:

• born too early
• has signs of eye disease
• or there is a family history of the disease 

6 to 12 months

The second screening should be done during the first year of the child's life. This screening is usually done at a check-up between 6 and 12 months. on this occasion, the examinations listed above will be performed, a visual examination and a check for healthy eye alignment and movement.

12 to 36 months

Between 12 and 36 months of a child's life, the healthy development of the eyes is checked. A photo screening test is performed with a special camera of the child's eyes. The results of these tests can reveal problems that lead to amblyopia (lazy eye). If the disease is detected, the child is sent to a specialist in ophthalmology.

3 to 5 years

Between the ages of 3 and 5, the child's vision and eye alignment are checked. These tests can be performed by a pediatrician, family doctor, ophthalmologist, optometrist or orthoptist.

The visual acuity test (20/20) should be performed as soon as the child is able to read signs on the display. Many children are somewhat farsighted but can also see clearly even at a distance. 

If the child has difficulty reading charts, photo screening is recommended 

A visit to an ophthalmologist is recommended if the screening shows signs of:

• irregular eye position (strabismus)
• "lazy eye" (amblyopia)
• refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism)
• or some other focusing problem

Get treatment for these problems as soon as possible because early treatment for your child is the best thing you can do to protect your child's vision.

5 years and older

At the age of 5, it is necessary to check the visual acuity and alignment of the eyes. Short-sightedness (myopia) is the most common problem in this age group of children. It is mostly corrected by wearing glasses.

A general ophthalmological examination of the eyes is recommended to parents if:

• is unable to perform the screening
• the pediatrician or the school issues an instruction
• the child has a vision complaint or has abnormal visual behavior
• or there is a risk of developing vision problems. Children with medical conditions (such as Down syndrome, prematurity, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, neurofibromatosis) or family histories of amblyopia, strabismus, retinoblastoma, congenital cataracts, or glaucoma are at greater risk for developing eye problems.
• the child has a learning disability, developmental delay, there is a neuropsychological condition or there is a behavior problem.