Which is included in 3-year screenings?

• A. Vision
• B. Hearing
• C. Growth charts
• D. Blood pressure

Answer: (A)

At about three years of age, vision screening is routinely included because this is a critical period for visual development and catching problems like amblyopia early. Children at this age can cooperate with age-appropriate tests, such as picture-based acuity charts (like Lea symbols or HOTV) and a simple cover test to assess how the eyes work together. Detecting refractive errors or misalignment now allows timely treatment—glasses, patching, or other interventions—before significant, potentially lasting vision impairment develops.

While growth charts and blood pressure are important parts of the well-child visit, the screening specifically emphasized at the three-year milestone is vision because timely identification of visual disorders has a big impact on long-term outcomes. Hearing screening and other measures may occur at other visits or based on risk factors, but the targeted three-year screen focuses on ensuring the child’s visual development is on track.