Updated guidance recommends annual vision screening for preschool children

New recommendations from the National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health highlight the importance of regular vision screening for children aged 3 to 6 years in the United States. Despite strong evidence that early detection of vision problems can prevent long-term issues, guidelines have varied widely, and standardized monitoring and reporting have been lacking.

The updated guidance, building on the 2015 recommendations, emphasizes annual screenings that include observation, distance and near visual acuity tests, and stereopsis assessment. Instrument-based screening may also be used, though more research is needed on specific devices. The recommendations stress the need for follow-up systems to ensure children who are referred receive comprehensive eye examinations.

Reference
Pang Y, Lyons SA, Nottingham Chaplin PK, et al; Advisory Committee to the National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health at Prevent Blindness. Recommended practices for vision screening in pre-school-age children: A 2025 update. Optom Vis Sci. 2025; doi: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000002290. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40892439.