If you’ve ever wondered when to schedule your baby’s first eye exam or worried whether they’re seeing the world clearly, you’re not alone. Many parents assume vision care starts at school age, but in reality, healthy sight begins much earlier. An infant eye exam is one of the most important steps you can take to support your child’s development from day one.
At Navigation Eye Care in Chesapeake, VA, we specialize in caring for even the tiniest patients. With a warm, family-friendly approach, we’re here to help you understand what the first visit looks like, how to prepare, and what the results mean for your child’s future.
When to Schedule and What Tests Are Done
The American Optometric Association recommends a baby’s first infant eye exam between 6 and 12 months of age even if everything seems fine. Why so early? Because some vision issues don’t show obvious signs, but early detection can make a big difference.
At this age, your child doesn’t need to speak or know their ABCs for us to evaluate their eyes. Our eye doctor uses special tools and lights to check:
- Visual clarity
- Eye alignment and tracking
- Eye health (checking for any congenital conditions)
- Pupil responses and prescription needs
The entire visit is quick, gentle, and done while your child sits comfortably with you. Many babies are naturally curious and love the lights and attention. Plus, we love making silly faces if it helps get a smile!
Parent Prep Tips for a Smooth Infant Eye Exam
You don’t need to study for this appointment but a little preparation helps!
Here are some tips to make your visit go smoothly:
- Pick a good time: Choose a time when your baby is usually awake and happy (not right before nap time).
- Bring comfort items: A favorite toy or blanket can help ease any jitters.
- Be ready for questions: We’ll ask about your baby’s birth, milestones, family history, and screen time exposure (yes, even for toddlers).
- Relax and trust the process: Our team is used to wiggles, giggles, and a little fussing. No judgment here, just support.
We aim to make your child’s first infant eye exam a positive, pressure-free experience. For many families, it becomes a fun milestone rather than a stressful task.
Understanding the Results and Next Steps
After the exam, we’ll walk you through everything we observed. Most babies leave with a clean bill of visual health, but if something is detected like a slight prescription need or eye muscle imbalance early treatment can be incredibly effective.
Depending on the results, we may recommend:
- Monitoring your child’s vision annually
- Patching therapy for strengthening a weaker eye
- Follow-up exams to track changes
- Glasses (rare, but sometimes helpful even in toddlers)
And don’t worry, we explain everything in parent-friendly terms. No confusing jargon. Just real answers, practical steps, and support.
Give Their Eyes the Best Start
Caring for your baby’s vision is a gift that keeps giving. An infant eye exam lays the foundation for lifelong visual success helping your child learn, play, and grow with clarity and confidence.
At Navigation Eye Care, we’re more than just your neighborhood eye doctor. We’re partners in your family’s health journey, here to offer expert care and a whole lot of heart.
Schedule your baby’s first eye exam today and give their little eyes a big head start. We can’t wait to meet your tiniest family member.