At what age is a child's vision typically first tested with an eye chart?

A child's vision is typically first tested with an eye chart around the age of three years. By this age, many children have developed the necessary language skills and ability to understand the instructions required to use an eye chart effectively. They can recognize and identify basic shapes and letters, which are essential for a vision screening using an eye chart.

Vision screening at three years is crucial because early detection of vision problems can significantly impact a child's development, learning, and overall health. During this screening, a provider assesses whether the child can see clearly at various distances and if both eyes work together properly. While some assessments might occur earlier in life, they usually don't involve the more comprehensive eye chart tests as those are better suited for a three-year-old's comprehension and attention span.

Earlier ages, such as one or two years, may involve basic observational assessments for signs of visual problems, but formal eye chart testing is generally not done until children are around three years old, enhancing the accuracy of the results. Testing at age four can also occur, but the three-year mark is the standard for initial eye chart assessments.