Before you leave hospitalGuidelineWith your doctor
Before discharge: eye and jaundice checks
Ask for an eye (red reflex) check and a jaundice reading.
Why It Matters (Clinical Guidance)
- WHO advises screening every newborn for eye problems, hearing loss and jaundice.
- Jaundice in the first 24 hours, or yellow palms and soles, needs a test the same day.
- Sunlight does not treat jaundice. Phototherapy does.
Primary Citation: WHO postnatal care recommendations 2022 (26, 27, 28)
Last checked: October 2026 • Medical review panel forming