Where should vision and hearing screenings be performed in pediatrics?

• A. Only during hospital admissions.
• B. Only when parents report concerns.
• C. At well-child visits according to guidelines.
• D. Only at school age.

Answer: (C)

Routine vision and hearing screening belongs to preventive pediatric care and is performed during well-child visits following established guidelines. These visits occur at regular intervals, so screening isn’t waiting for symptoms but is applied universally at the recommended ages. Using validated screeners during these visits allows early detection of problems like vision or hearing delays, enabling timely referral and treatment when needed. Relying on hospital admissions would miss many children not admitted, and waiting for parental concerns can overlook subtle or early issues. Screening only at school age ignores problems that can emerge earlier and miss the window for optimal intervention. Therefore, the best practice is to conduct vision and hearing screening at well-child visits according to guidelines.