When to Take Your Child to the Ophthalmologist? (Vision Screening in Fez)

In children, many vision problems are invisible: the child doesn’t complain, because they think everyone sees the way they do. Hence the importance of early vision screening : caught early, a vision problem is often corrected well; caught late, it can leave lasting effects (a “lazy” eye).

The signs that should prompt a visit

• an eye that drifts (strabismus), even intermittently;
• a child who squints, sits too close to the TV or the notebook;
• headaches, tiredness when reading, unexplained difficulties at school;
• a red, watery eye, or sensitivity to light;
• a family history (glasses early, strabismus, amblyopia).

Vision screening: at what age?

An opinion is recommended for any warning sign, at any age. In the absence of signs, a check-up is useful at key developmental stages (early childhood, before starting school, then as needed). The doctor adapts the examination to the age — there are reliable tests even for toddlers who can’t speak yet.

Why not wait?

A child’s vision develops in the first years of life. An eye that sees poorly and isn’t stimulated can become “lazy” (amblyopia) — and after a certain age, it is much harder to correct. Acting early means protecting tomorrow’s vision.

Key takeaway

A child doesn’t always say they see poorly. At the slightest doubt — a drifting eye, discomfort, difficulties at school — an eye examination makes it possible to check and act in time.

Dr Hassan Oulehri, ophthalmologist in Fez, Morocco, provides children’s vision screening and follow-up. To learn more or book an appointment: WhatsApp or 0615 55 71 41.