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Vision Screening
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Lab Tests

Vision Screening

A vision screening is a brief test used to check how well you see and to determine if you require a comprehensive eye exam from a specialist.

Overview

A vision screening, also called an eye test, is a quick way to check your vision up close and far away. It is typically performed by reading letters on an eye chart. While a screening can identify the need for a more thorough evaluation, a comprehensive eye exam is necessary to check overall eye health and detect serious disorders, such as glaucoma, that may not present symptoms.

What is it used for?

For Infants and Children

Screening helps identify common conditions that require early treatment to prevent long-term vision loss, including:

  • Amblyopia: Often called "lazy eye," this is poor vision in one eye caused by how the brain and eye work together. It is the most common cause of vision loss in children.
  • Strabismus: A condition where eyes look in different directions (e.g., "cross-eyes" or "walleyes"). If uncorrected, it can lead to permanent damage.

For Adults and Children (Age 3+)

Screening helps detect common vision problems that may be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery:

  • Nearsightedness (myopia): Far away objects appear blurry.
  • Farsightedness (hyperopia): Close-up objects appear blurry.
  • Astigmatism: Causes generally blurry vision and difficulty seeing at night.
  • Presbyopia: A normal part of aging (usually starting around age 45) that makes it hard to see things up close.

Why do I need vision screening?

Regular screenings help detect problems before they affect learning or cause permanent loss. General guidelines include:

  • Newborns: Checked for infections and signs of eye disorders.
  • 6 months to 1 year: Checked during well-baby visits for signs of strabismus.
  • Age 3 to 5: All children should have at least one screening for near and far vision.

Consult your provider if you notice symptoms such as squinting, frequent blinking, watery/red eyes, or if a child cannot follow moving objects after 3 months of age.

What happens during vision screening?

  • Distance vision test: Also called a "visual acuity" test, this involves reading letters on a chart from 20 feet away.
  • Close-up vision test: You read text on a card held 14 inches away to check for farsightedness or presbyopia.
  • Color blindness test: Uses images of colored symbols or numbers to check for color vision deficiencies.
  • Infant screening: Providers check how eyes follow moving objects, how pupils respond to light, and whether eyes focus together.

Eye Care Specialists

  • Ophthalmologists: Medical doctors who diagnose and treat all eye disorders, perform surgery, and provide exams.
  • Optometrists: Professionals with advanced training to diagnose and treat certain eye disorders and provide exams.
  • Opticians: Professionals trained to fill prescriptions for eyeglasses and fit frames.

Frequently Asked Questions

vision screening is a quick check, usually involving an eye chart, to see if you need further evaluation. It does not check for eye diseases. A comprehensive eye exam is performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist and includes detailed tests to detect conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, which often have no early symptoms.
Look for squinting, holding books very close to the face, rubbing eyes frequently, or tilting the head to see. In older children, watch for headaches after reading, difficulty copying from the board, or a sudden drop in grades. If you notice any of these, schedule a screening promptly to rule out amblyopia or strabismus.
No special preparation is required for a standard vision screening. You do not need to fast or change your diet. However, if you wear contact lenses, you may be asked to remove them for part of the test to get an accurate prescription measurement. Bring your current glasses if you have them, as the provider may use them during the assessment.
For adults with no known eye disease or risk factors, a screening every two years is generally recommended. However, if you have diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, or are over age 40, you should have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years. If you have been prescribed new glasses or contacts, follow your provider's schedule for follow-up checks.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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