Children rarely complain about poor vision — they simply don't know any different. Dr. Swati Agarwal is experienced in examining children of all ages, from newborns to teenagers, and in treating the full range of pediatric eye conditions.
Visual development in the brain occurs primarily during the first 7–8 years of life. During this period, the visual cortex is actively forming neural connections in response to visual input. This is both the window of greatest vulnerability — conditions like amblyopia develop here — and the window of greatest opportunity for treatment.
A child who is diagnosed with amblyopia at age 4 has an excellent chance of achieving normal vision with patching therapy. The same child diagnosed at age 9 has a much more limited prognosis. This is why every child should have a formal eye examination — not just a school screening — by age 3–4.
Every child should have a comprehensive dilated eye examination by age 3–4, regardless of whether any symptoms are present. School screenings miss up to 30% of vision problems and are not a substitute for a formal ophthalmological assessment.
Reduced vision in one eye due to abnormal visual development. Treated with patching of the stronger eye and/or atropine drops. Highly effective before age 7–8.
Misalignment of the eyes — one turns in, out, up, or down. Treated with glasses, patching, and surgery as appropriate. Assessment within 2–4 weeks of noticing a squint is strongly recommended.
Extremely common in urban Indian children and progressing faster than ever. Spectacles, contact lenses, and myopia-control strategies (atropine drops, orthokeratology) offered.
Long-sightedness and irregular corneal curvature — major causes of refractive amblyopia. Often missed without dilated refraction. Spectacle correction is highly effective.
Routine colour vision testing identifies deficiencies that affect career pathways. Parents and children counselled on implications and practical strategies.
Congenital cataract, ptosis (eyelid droop), nystagmus, and other conditions present from birth. Early identification and referral for urgent management where required.
If you notice any of these signs, book an appointment promptly. Do not wait for the next school screening.
Picture charts for young children who cannot read letters. Preferential looking cards for infants. Electronic tests that require no verbal response. No child is "too young" to have their vision assessed.
A simple, non-invasive test that identifies even subtle squints that are not obvious to parents or paediatricians.
Special eye drops (cyclopentolate) relax the child's focusing muscles and dilate the pupil, allowing the most accurate spectacle prescription to be determined. Takes 30–45 minutes to take effect.
Full examination of the retina and optic nerve. Identifies congenital conditions, optic nerve abnormalities, and other conditions that may not cause any visible external sign.
Dr. Swati explains all findings directly to both the child (in age-appropriate language) and parents, including the management plan, glasses or patching schedule, and next review date.
The Eye Clinic conducts free monthly vision screening camps at schools in Kankurgachi and surrounding areas. Children identified as needing further evaluation receive a referral. Contact us at +91 91477 14355 to arrange a camp at your school.
Book a comprehensive pediatric eye examination at The Eye Clinic. Dr. Swati is experienced with children of all ages — including those who 'won't cooperate.'