Dr. Gwenn Schurgin O'Keeffe, MD, FAAP

Dear Dr. Gwenn,

How often does a child need to have their eyes checked or do we only do it if they experience problems?

Signed,
Kathy

Dear Kathy:

In general, most school age children do not need their eyes formally tested unless there is a problem. Perhaps they are having trouble seeing the black board or having trouble reading. Perhaps they failed their school eye screen. Family history may help you - if you have relatives who had glasses young, your kids may, too.

Most eye experts feel that by middle school kids should have formal eye exams every 1-2 years. This is a very reasonable rule of thumb.

Here are links for more information:

Your Child's Vision
Parent's Guide to a Child's First Exam


Best,
Dr. Gwenn

© 2005 - 2007 Pediatrics Now. All rights reserved.
PEDIATRICS NOW™ is a trademark of Pediatrics Now

Read more articles from Dr. Gwenn on FamilyCorner.com

What's Related
My Child is Obese: What Can I Do to Help Her?
Are You Raising Fit or Fat Kids?
Healthy Eating For Life
Helping the Overweight Child


About the Author
Pediatrician, Dr. Gwenn Schurgin O'Keeffe, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Gwenn is an experienced columnist, educator, and practicing pediatrician. Dr. Gwenn strives to write as if she were talking to a parent. As a parent herself, she knows how important it is to obtain information but also understand how precious little time parents have to find that information on the internet. Pediatrics Now was developed to fill that gap and provide a bridge between the parenting and pediatrics worlds.

Did you enjoy this article? Rate It! | Tell A Friend