Age

Expected Age Outcomes

Problem signs … if a child is experiencing any one of the following, consider this a red flag:

2 – 3 years

Sits a normal distance when watching television
Follows moving objects with both eyes working together (coordinated)

• Blinking and/or rubbing eyes often ; a lot of tearing or eye-rubbing
• Headaches nausea, dizziness; blurred or double vision
• Eyes that itch or burn; sensitive to bright light and sun
• Unusual short attention span; will only look at you if he or she hear you
• Avoidance of tasks with small objects
• Turning or tilting head to use only one eye to look at things
• Covering one eye; has difficulty, or is irritable with reading or with close work
• Eyes that cross, turn in or out, move independently
• Holding toys close to eyes, or no interest in small objects and pictures
• Bumping into things, tripping; clumsiness, restricted mobility
• Squinting, frowning; pupils of different sizes
• Redness, soreness (eyes or eyelids); recurring styles; discoloration
• Constant jiggling or moving of eyes side-to-side

3 – 4 years

Knows people from a distance (across the street)
Uses hands and feet together (i.e. catches a large ball)
Builds a tower of blocks, string beads; copies a circle and square

• Eyes do not follow what hand are doing

If there are concerns about a child's vision, advise the parent to arrange for a vision test with an optometrist, or contact the family physician who can refer the child to an ophthalmologist.