As a parent, it's natural to feel reassured when your child passes their vision screening at the pediatrician’s office. These quick tests, often involving reading an eye chart, are a helpful first step in checking for obvious vision problems. But here’s the thing: a passing result doesn’t always mean your child’s eyes are in the clear. So, should you still schedule a full eye exam? Let’s break it down.

Vision screenings are designed to catch major issues, like nearsightedness or significant blurriness, but they’re not foolproof. They might miss subtler conditions—think lazy eye (amblyopia), eye alignment problems, or depth perception issues—that don’t always show up on a basic chart test. Pediatricians are awesome, but they’re not eye care specialists. A pediatric optometrist or ophthalmologist has the tools and training to dig deeper, spotting things a screening can’t.

The American Optometric Association recommends kids get their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months, again at 3 years, and then before starting school—around 5 or 6—even if they’ve aced every screening. Why? Because early detection is key. Kids’ eyes are still developing, and catching small problems now can prevent bigger headaches (or blurry vision) later. Undiagnosed issues might even affect their learning or coordination, sneaking by unnoticed because kids don’t always know how to say, “Hey, something’s off.”

If your child’s screening went well, that’s great news—it’s a green light, not a finish line. Think of it like a routine car check: passing the quick once-over doesn’t mean you skip the full tune-up. For peace of mind and a clearer picture of their eye health, book that exam with a pediatric eye doctor. Your kid’s eyes—and their future report cards—might thank you.