Eye exams can be completed at any age, from premature infancy through adulthood no matter if the patient can speak or follow instructions. Pediatricians will check for focusing abnormalities of babies and young children during well-child visits and perform vision screenings with automated vision testing equipment approved by pediatric ophthalmologists worldwide. If there is a problem with these vision screens, the patient will be referred to a pediatric eye doctor for a complete dilated eye exam. If constant eye crossing or outward turning are seen, a white light reflex in the pupil is noticed, or there is a family history of eye problems or glasses prescribed as young children, a pediatric eye exam with a pediatric ophthalmologist is strongly advised at any age.

Yearly eye exams for healthy children with normal vision screening exams are not necessary or recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology or the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.