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Frequently Asked Questions:

At what age should a child have their first eye examination?

The following represents the recommendations of the American Optometric Association (www.aoa.org) for regular eye care for patients with and without risk factors.

Examination Interval
Patient Age No Symptoms/No Risk Factors Risk Factors
Birth to 24 months By six months of age By six months of age or as recommended
Two to five years-old At three years of age At three years of age or as recommended
Six to 18
years-old
Before first grade and every two years thereafter Annually or as recommended
18 — 40
years-old
Every two to three years Every one to two years or as recommended
41 — 60
years-old
Every two years Every one to two years or as recommended
61 and older years-old Annually Annually or as recommended

Infant Risk Factors:

  • Born prematurely with low birth weight
  • Birth mother with rubella, venereal disease, AIDS-related infection or history of substance abuse or other health related problems
  • Family history of eye disease, crossed eyes or congenital eye problems

School-Aged Children Risk Factors:

  • Failing to progress academically or exhibiting reading or learning difficulties

6/2008