Reposted from special needs - problem identified with vision in 7 week old

[MurtleTheTurtle]

I've reposted this from the special needs: children board as I have found this one and it is perhaps a better place to post it.

Ds4 was 7 weeks old on Saturday, we went for our 6 week check on Friday and the doctor has referred us on due to a potential problem with his vision.

She noticed right away that he wasn't making eye contact with her. She waved a bright red toy in front of his face several times (lying down and with me holding him in anymore upright position) and he didn't follow it at all.

I had not noticed this and now I am really worried. If I wave my hand in front of his face his eyes do not react - but he is so young, are they supposed to at this age? I've also noticed now that he doesn't really look at me when I give him a bottle. He does look at me sometimes when I speak, but is he turning in the direction of my voice? I just don't know.

DH thinks he is ok as he has seen him appear to track his finger moved in front of his face, but not consistently enough to reassure me completely.

Does this sound like an issue to anyone or am I worrying needlessly? Despite having 4 children I really cannot remember what the others were like at this age to form a comparison.

I've no idea how long the referral will take. If a problem is identified then at least we'll know what we're dealing with, but in the meantime I'm left worrying. Has anyone any experience or thoughts on this please?

Some kids can be later tracking and following. Don't worry too much.
Go for the referral obviously.

My friend s baby was at least three months when he tracked properly . He was checked out and was fine.

Practise with baby while waiting for the appointment .

Thank you very much, I will keep trying him and fingers crossed everything is ok.

Hi Murtle, I'm not sure what not tracking at 7 weeks means. I'm sure there will be different outcomes for different children. I do however have a DC that is reg partially sighted, and although I hope you don't need it, pls feel free to PM if you need any advice or support. Just to add my DC is doing extremely well and is very happy at mainstream school. Good luck x

Thank you very much Doggonecrazy, that's very kind of you. Hopefully all will be well but if a problem is identified I will take you up on your kind offer.

Try. It to worry, as an eye specialist it doesn't ring major alarm bells, it could all be normal, however it could indicate a proble, so best to be things checked.
Hope all goes well