Early eye exams detect vision problems and eye health issues before they impact your baby’s development. We recommend the first comprehensive eye exam around 6 months of age.
Babies’ eyes and visual systems are still developing at birth. Early detection and treatment of eye problems can dramatically improve outcomes and support healthy development.
Even without obvious vision problems, the American Optometric Association recommends a comprehensive eye exam around 6 months of age. During this exam, we check for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, eye movement, alignment, and overall eye health. Serious eye problems are rare, but early intervention offers the best outcomes if issues are found.
We screen for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism that can affect visual development.
We evaluate how well your baby's eyes work together and track moving objects.
Crossed or misaligned eyes are corrected early to prevent permanent vision loss.
We assess the complete health of your baby's eyes for any abnormalities.
Babies’ vision develops dramatically in the first two years of life. Here are the typical milestones and developmental stages to watch for. Remember, each child develops at their own pace.
Newborns experience a wide range of visual stimuli but cannot easily distinguish between different targets. They primarily focus on objects 8-10 inches away, such as a parent’s face.
In the first few months, infants’ eyes begin working together, significantly improving vision. Eye-hand coordination starts to develop as they track moving objects and reach for them. By 8 weeks, babies can focus better on nearby faces.
For the first two months, an infant’s eyes might appear uncoordinated or crossed—this is typically normal. However, if an eye consistently turns in or out, an evaluation is necessary.
Control of eye movements and eye-body coordination continues to improve significantly during these months.
By around 5 months, babies develop the ability to judge distance of objects, allowing for a three-dimensional view of the world.
While not as sensitive as an adult’s, a baby’s color vision is generally well developed by 5 months.
Around 9 months, babies begin to pull themselves up to a standing position. By 10 months, they should grasp objects using their thumb and forefinger.
By 12 months, most babies are crawling and attempting to walk. Babies who crawl extensively tend to develop better eye-hand coordination. They can judge distances well and throw objects with some precision.
By two years old, a child’s eye-hand coordination and depth perception should be well developed.
Children are eager to explore their surroundings, recognizing familiar objects and pictures in books. They can scribble with crayons or pencils, demonstrating growing visual and motor skills.
Monitoring these milestones helps ensure your child’s vision is developing properly. Regular check-ups with an eye care professional can help detect and address any potential issues early, supporting healthy visual development.
While most infants are born with healthy eyes, problems can occasionally arise. Watch for these signs and seek immediate attention if you notice any of them.
May indicate blocked tear ducts, which may require treatment.
Could be a sign of infection and needs prompt attention.
May signal a problem with eye muscle control or misalignment.
Extreme sensitivity to light could indicate elevated eye pressure.
A white or cloudy appearance in the pupil requires immediate evaluation.
Difficulty making or maintaining eye contact may indicate vision concerns.
If you notice any of these signs, contact our office right away. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your child’s vision and development.
Parents play a crucial role in helping their baby’s vision develop properly. Here are age-appropriate activities that foster healthy visual development.
Place soft, ambient light in the baby's room for comfort and visual stimulation.
Frequently change crib position and baby's position within it for different perspectives.
Keep toys within focus range, 8-12 inches away.
Talk to your baby while walking around to stimulate visual and auditory development.
Alternate baby's position during feedings to promote eye coordination.
Hang mobiles with various objects for baby to grab, pull, and kick.
Allow ample time for floor exploration, encouraging movement and discovery.
Provide plastic or wooden blocks baby can hold and manipulate.
Play patty cake and similar games to encourage coordination.
Play games with toys or your face to develop visual memory.
Name objects during interactions to encourage word association.
Promote crawling to improve coordination and visual tracking.
Roll a ball back and forth to help track moving objects.
Provide various shapes and sizes to enhance fine motor skills.
Read stories to stimulate imagination and prepare for reading skills.
These activities help ensure your child’s visual system develops properly while supporting overall growth and learning. Combined with regular eye exams, you’re giving your baby the best foundation for healthy vision.
InfantSEE® is a public health initiative managed by Optometry Cares – The AOA Foundation, integrating eye and vision care into routine infant wellness care.
Through InfantSEE®, AOA member optometrists provide comprehensive eye and vision assessments at no cost for infants aged 6-12 months, regardless of family income or insurance status.
Why it matters: A study funded by the National Eye Institute found that even the most advanced vision screening tools miss one-third of children with eye or vision disorders. InfantSEE® addresses this gap with comprehensive exams using specialized equipment and procedures not included in standard vision screenings.
Comprehensive eye exams for infants 6-12 months are completely free, regardless of your insurance or ability to pay.
Comprehensive care at this critical stage ensures early detection and intervention for any vision problems.
Exams are performed by experienced optometrists with specialized pediatric training.
Ask us about InfantSEE® when you schedule your baby’s first eye exam. We’re proud to be part of this important public health initiative supporting every baby’s healthy vision development.
Dr. Foley has extensive experience examining infants and young children with patience and expertise.
We create a calm, welcoming environment to help your baby feel safe during their exam.
We use specialized pediatric equipment designed for accurate infant examinations.
We explain findings and recommendations to parents in detail, answering all your questions.
We detect and address problems early when treatment outcomes are best.
We involve parents as partners in supporting their baby's healthy vision development.
The American Optometric Association recommends a comprehensive eye exam for your baby around 6 months of age, even if no vision problems are obvious. This first exam establishes a baseline for healthy vision development.
First comprehensive exam to assess vision development and screen for eye health issues.
Comprehensive exam before preschool or kindergarten to ensure readiness for learning.
Eye exam before starting school to confirm vision supports academic success.
Regular exams through age 18 to monitor development and vision changes.
Request an appointment online or give us a call — we’ll confirm your insurance coverage before your visit.
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