Early Childhood Vision Screening: Start Young, See Clear
Your child’s eyesight begins developing from birth, and the first few years are critical for healthy vision. An early childhood vision screening can detect hidden problems before they impact learning, social development, or long-term eye health. At Bayview Vision, we specialize in infant and toddler eye exams that are gentle, thorough, and designed to give parents peace of mind.
When Should Children Have Their First Vision Screening?
Vision issues can appear even in infancy. That’s why experts recommend the following schedule for eye screenings:
6–12 months old: First infant eye exam — to detect early congenital issues like cataracts, strabismus (eye turn), or serious conditions such as retinoblastoma.
Around 3 years old: Preschool exam — to confirm normal visual development before school begins.
Annually from 5 to 18 years: Yearly check-ups ensure clear vision during the school years, when visual demands are at their highest.
Even if your baby or toddler shows no signs of vision problems, early screenings are vital — many eye conditions have no obvious symptoms in the early stages.
What’s Included in Early Vision Screening
We use child-friendly tools and non-invasive techniques tailored for babies and toddlers. A typical exam may include:
Red Reflex Test – Detects cataracts or abnormal growths.
Visual Behavior & Fixation – Ensures eyes can follow objects and respond to light.
Binocular Vision Testing – Checks whether eyes are aligned and working together.
Retinoscopy / Cycloplegic Refraction – Measures accurate prescriptions, even if your child can’t respond verbally.
Ocular Health Examination – Evaluates the front and back of the eye for congenital or developmental problems.
Our team makes the process easy, interactive, and reassuring — so your child stays comfortable while we gather essential information.
Why Early Detection Matters
Vision and Learning Go Hand-in-Hand
By the time children enter school, up to 80% of their learning depends on vision. Early screenings ensure that by the time your child reaches the classroom, they’re ready to read, write, and engage without vision challenges holding them back.
Partnering with Parents from the Start
At Bayview Vision, we see early vision care as a team effort. We take time to explain results, answer your questions, and provide guidance on next steps if treatment or monitoring is needed. Whether it’s prescribing glasses, managing an eye turn, or referring to a pediatric specialist, we’re here to support your child’s visual journey every step of the way.
Give your baby the best start by protecting their eyesight from the very beginning. In Ontario, OHIP covers eye exams for children up to 19 years old, so screenings are fully covered for families.
Vision development is rapid in the first years of life. If conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), or severe refractive errors are not detected and treated early, they can lead to permanent vision loss.
Early screenings help to:
Prevent irreversible vision damage by catching issues during the critical developmental window.
Support normal brain development by ensuring both eyes send clear images.
Set the foundation for learning, play, and healthy development.
Give parents confidence knowing their child is on track visually.