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Vision screening is a simple way to make sure your child’s eyes are working properly.

Even if you do not see any warning signs, it is extremely important for your child to have a complete medical eye exam before starting preschool. 
The screening itself is designed for young children and uses fun and easy games.  Your child’s pediatrician can do this exam, or it may be offered through your health department. Some schools offer this exam for free. However, school screenings sometimes only check the eyes to make sure that they can see distant objects and letters (like on a blackboard). While this is important, it is also important to check the eyes for other problems as well, including:

• a visual inspection of the eyes
• a test to measure how clearly and sharply each eye sees
• tests that measure how straight the eyes see and how well they work together

If these tests show that your child’s vision is impaired, you will be referred to a children's eye care specialist for a more thorough exam. An ophthalmologist (M.D.) is a medical doctor trained with an emphasis on eye disease and surgery. An optometrist (O.D.) focuses more on refraction and developmental aspects of vision and uses lenses, prisms, and vision therapy to improve eye problems. There is some overlap in the two professions, however, for ophthalmologists can prescribe eyewear, and optometrists can dispense some medications. Other eye care specialists include paraoptometrics and contact lens technicians, both of whom help in patient care.

When you take your child in, the doctor will ask questions about the child’s family history of eye problems and if the child’s growth and development has been normal.   The doctor will use fun charts and lights to examine the child’s pupils and inner-eye.  Eye-drops are often used to dilate the pupil so that the inner-eye (retina, optic nerve) can be examined more closely.