**Core Concept**
The child in question has a congenital cataract that affects the visual axis, which is the direct path of light between the cornea and the retina. This condition can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye), a condition where the brain favors one eye over the other, resulting in poor vision in the affected eye. Early intervention is crucial to prevent permanent vision loss.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Surgery for congenital cataracts should be performed as soon as possible to remove the opacity and allow light to pass through to the retina. The goal of surgery is to restore vision and prevent amblyopia. In this case, the child should undergo surgery to remove the cataract, which will allow light to pass through and promote normal visual development. The surgery typically involves removing the cloudy lens and implanting an intraocular lens (IOL) to focus light on the retina.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Waiting until the child is older to operate is not a good option because the longer the child waits, the higher the risk of permanent vision loss due to amblyopia.
**Option B:** Using contact lenses or glasses to correct the cataract is not a suitable option because these methods do not address the underlying cause of the vision problem.
**Option C:** Observing the child without any intervention is not an appropriate option because it may lead to permanent vision loss due to amblyopia.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that surgery for congenital cataracts should be performed within the first few months of life to maximize the potential for normal visual development.

**Correct Answer:** C. Surgery should be performed as soon as possible to remove the cataract and allow light to pass through to the retina, promoting normal visual development.