Eye alignment tests should be part of routine pediatric eye examinations. They are particularly crucial at the following stages: - Newborns: Initial eye examination to rule out congenital issues. - Infants: Around 6 months, when binocular vision starts to develop. - Toddlers: At 3 years, when visual acuity can be more accurately assessed. - School-age children: Regular screenings to detect issues that might affect academic performance.