The visual system is not fully developed at birth and does not reach full maturity until the age of 10. Any disruption can lead to poorer vision. Early diagnosis is essential.
In 75% of cases, children do not complain of a vision problem. Only an ophthalmologist can make a diagnosis. Seek advice if you notice any of these signs:
A deviated eye (your child is squinting)
A white reflection in the pupil
An abnormal head position
Difficulty reading or writing
Blinking and squinting
Persistent headaches
Most visual abnormalities can be corrected with treatment during the early years of life. Our ophthalmologists are trained to welcome and examine children in the best possible conditions.
A comprehensive eye examination tailored to the child’s age, including an assessment of visual acuity, refraction and eye coordination.
Screening and treatment of strabismus (misalignment of one eye). Medical or surgical management as appropriate.
Treatment of lazy eye by patching or optical correction. Early diagnosis significantly improves the prognosis.
Monitoring the progression of myopia and implementing solutions to slow its progression (ortho-k lenses, atropine eye drops).
Screening for and management of congenital glaucoma, a cause of blindness that can be prevented if diagnosed early.
Foreign bodies, eye trauma, infection. Rapid treatment without an appointment during opening hours.
A child’s visual system is still developing. In the vast majority of cases, abnormalities detected before the age of 6 can be corrected. After this age, some corrections become difficult or impossible.
First examination recommended
Before starting school
Regular check-ups recommended
Every Oculus doctor is a specialist in their field — trained internationally and committed to clinical excellence.
FMH-certified ophthalmologist
OPHTHALMOLOGY
FMH-certified ophthalmologist
OPHTHALMOLOGY
FMH-certified ophthalmology
OPHTHALMOLOGY
FMH-certified ophthalmologist
OPHTHALMOLOGYA paediatric eye examination is completely painless and tailored to the child’s age. It usually lasts between 45 minutes and an hour and is carried out in several complementary stages.
The ophthalmologist assesses the child’s ability to see clearly at close range and from a distance, using appropriate charts (pictures, letters or numbers depending on the child’s age).
Examination of the function of the eye muscles: coordination of both eyes, screening for strabismus and amblyopia. Carried out by an orthoptist.
Eye drops dilate the pupil and temporarily paralyse accommodation to accurately measure the required optical correction.
Slit-lamp examination of the cornea, lens and iris. This helps to detect congenital abnormalities and inflammatory conditions.
After dilation, the ophthalmologist examines the retina, the optic nerve and the blood vessels. Essential for detecting congenital glaucoma and retinal abnormalities.
Practical advice: The examination is painless. The dilating drops may sting slightly for a few seconds. Your vision will be temporarily blurred (for 2 to 4 hours) after the drops — please do not drive on the day of your appointment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find answers to the questions our patients ask most often before booking an appointment
We recommend a first examination around the age of 3, before starting nursery school. A routine examination is also recommended at the age of 6, before starting primary school.
No. An eye examination is painless. Eye drops may be administered to dilate the pupil. The examination usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Strabismus must be treated promptly. A deviating eye can lead to amblyopia (irreversible loss of vision) if not treated in time. See a doctor as soon as possible.
Paediatric eye consultations are covered by the LAMal (basic health insurance) in Switzerland, subject to a doctor’s prescription.
Give your child the best start for their visual health. Book an appointment today.
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