[Screening for congenital cataract is best done at the obstetrical department. Complementary examination at the child health center is recommended].

72 children born between January 1992 and December 1998, diagnosed with congenital cataract (CC) and operated on before the age of one, were included in a retrospective study. Three regions with different screening strategies were compared: one region with screening at the maternity wards, one at well baby centres and one without a screening programme. Eye screening at the maternity wards resulted in a significantly lower mean age at detection and operation compared to the other two screening strategies. Eye examinations should also be made standard procedure at well baby centres, in order to minimize the number of undetected cataracts.