All children should have their eyes checked by an Optometrist.

It is important to monitor your child’s visual development, since early identification of a problem can sometimes eliminate or decrease the risk of long-term complications.
If you notice that your child has any of the following symptoms, talk to you doctor immediately:

  • Swollen or encrusted eyelids
  • Bumps, sores or styes on or around
  • The eyelids
  • Drooping eyelids
  • Does not make eye contact with you by three months of age
  • Does not watch or follow an object with the eyes by three months
  • Haziness or whitish appearance inside the pupil
  • Frequent “wiggling,” “drifting,” or “jerky” eye movements misalignment between the eyes (eye turns or crossing of eyes)
  • Lack of coordinated eye movements
  • Drifting of one eye when looking at objects
  • Turning or tilting of the head when looking at objects
  • Squinting, closing or covering of one eye when looking at objects
  • Excessive tearing when not crying
  • Excessive blinking or squinting
  • Excessive rubbing or touching of the eyes
  • Avoidance of or sensitivity to bright lights

If in doubt, check it out!

From the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services’ brochure: “Blind-Low Vision Early Intervention Program.” Published in July 2007.

Download The Blind-Low Vision Fact Sheet

Download a glossary of Blind-Low Vision Terms and Definition