At what age is it recommended for children to undergo vision screening?

The recommendation for vision screening occurs at least once between the ages of 3 and 5 years to ensure that any potential vision problems can be detected early in childhood development. This period is crucial as it falls within a time when children are developing important visual skills that are essential for learning and growth.

Screening during this age range allows healthcare providers to evaluate the child's vision, including detecting conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes), which are best treated when identified early. By the time children reach 3 years of age, they can better cooperate with testing methods, making it an ideal time for these evaluations.

While other ages mentioned, such as at birth or before age 3, are important for different aspects of child health, they do not specifically address the critical timing for vision screening. Screening only at birth would miss issues that develop as the child grows, while the recommendation for yearly screenings after age 5 focuses on ongoing monitoring rather than initial identification. Thus, choosing to screen between the ages of 3 and 5 captures a pivotal window for addressing vision health as children reach school age.