Good vision plays an important role in children’s everyday lives, including reading, learning, playing and interacting with others.

Children may not complain about their eyesight because they may assume that the way they see is normal. This is why regular eye examinations are important, even when your child does not appear to have a problem.

Signs That Your Child May Have a Vision Problem

Look out for behaviours such as:

• Sitting very close to the television or computer
• Holding books or screens very close to the face
• Frequently rubbing their eyes
• Squinting or closing one eye
• Complaining of headaches or tired eyes
• Difficulty reading or concentrating
• Losing their place while reading
• Avoiding close-up activities
• Difficulty seeing objects at a distance
• Tilting or turning their head to see better
• Frequent blinking or watery eyes

If you notice any changes or concerns about your child’s vision, an eye examination can help determine whether further assessment is required.

NHS-Funded Eye Tests for Children

In the UK, NHS-funded eye tests are available to eligible children and young people. Generally, children under 16 and young people aged 16–18 in full-time education are entitled to an NHS-funded sight test.

Eligibility rules can vary, so please check with us before your appointment.

If your child is prescribed glasses and is eligible for an NHS optical voucher, the voucher may contribute towards the cost of their glasses. The amount available depends on the child’s circumstances and prescription.

Our team can explain the available NHS support and help you understand your options.

What Happens During a Children’s Eye Test?

A children’s eye examination is adapted to the child’s age and ability. Our eye-care professional will use appropriate techniques to make the experience comfortable and engaging.

1. Initial Consultation

We will discuss your child’s vision, general eye health and any concerns you may have noticed.

For younger children, we may also ask about their visual behaviour and development.

2. Vision Assessment

Your child’s vision will be assessed using age-appropriate methods.

Depending on their age, this may include checking how clearly they can see at different distances.

3. Eye Coordination & Alignment

The eyes may be assessed to see how well they work together and whether there are signs of a squint or other eye coordination difficulties.

4. Refraction Assessment

Where appropriate, the optometrist may assess whether your child is short-sighted, long-sighted or has astigmatism and whether spectacles may be beneficial.

5. Eye Health Assessment

The health of your child’s eyes will be assessed as appropriate for their age and individual circumstances.

If any concerns are identified, you will be advised about monitoring, treatment or further referral.

6. Results & Advice

The findings will be explained clearly to you and, where appropriate, to your child.

If glasses, monitoring or further assessment are recommended, we will explain the available options.

Myopia Eye Testing

What Is Myopia?

Myopia, commonly known as short-sightedness, is a common vision condition where distant objects appear blurred while close objects can usually be seen more clearly.

Myopia commonly develops during childhood and can increase as a child grows.

Why Is Myopia Testing Important?

Regular eye examinations can identify myopia and monitor changes in your child’s prescription.

If myopia is progressing, your optometrist can discuss appropriate options for managing it based on your child’s individual needs.

Myopia management may involve specialist spectacle lenses, contact lenses or other clinically appropriate options.

What Happens During a Myopia Assessment?

Your child’s assessment may include:

• Vision assessment – Checking vision at different distances.
• Refraction – Measuring the prescription required for clear vision.
• Eye health examination – Assessing the health of the eyes.
• Myopia monitoring – Reviewing changes in prescription over time.
• Advice and management – Discussing suitable options where myopia progression is a concern.

Every child is different, so your optometrist will recommend the most appropriate approach for their individual needs.

Hyperopia Eye Testing

What Is Hyperopia?

Hyperopia, commonly known as long-sightedness, occurs when the eye has difficulty focusing clearly, particularly for close-up tasks.

Children can sometimes compensate for a degree of hyperopia naturally, meaning that it may not always be immediately noticeable.

Why Is Hyperopia Testing Important?

Uncorrected or significant hyperopia may be associated with symptoms such as:

• Headaches
• Eye strain
• Difficulty with close-up activities
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty concentrating on near tasks

In children, significant uncorrected refractive errors can sometimes affect visual development. An eye examination can help identify whether treatment or monitoring is appropriate.

What Happens During a Hyperopia Assessment?

Your child’s assessment may include:

• Vision assessment – Checking clarity of vision at appropriate distances.
• Refraction – Assessing whether there is a long-sighted prescription.
• Eye health examination – Checking the general health of the eyes.
• Eye coordination assessment – Assessing how the eyes work together.
• Advice and recommendations – Discussing spectacles, monitoring or further assessment where appropriate.

Each assessment is adapted to the child’s age and individual needs.