Children's eye tests before school
September means new shoes, a lunchbox and, if you can fit it in, an eye test. Here is why we like to see children before they start school.
Why it matters
A lot of what a child does at school is visual. Reading, copying from the board, drawing and playing catch all lean on their eyes. A child who cannot see well does not always know that other people see differently, so they do not complain. They may simply become reluctant to read, rub their eyes, hold things close or lose their place.
An eye test can pick up long or short sight, astigmatism, and eyes that do not work well together. Some of these are easiest to help when found early, which is why an early check is worth having.
Will my child be able to do it?
Yes. A test does not need your child to read letters. We use pictures, matching games and lights, and no part of it hurts. The optometrist will talk to your child, and you can stay with them. For very young or fidgety children we can split the test in two.
What do we look for?
We check how well each eye sees, how the eyes move and work together, how they focus, and the health of the eye. Sometimes we use drops, which sting a little, to relax the focus. We explain this first.
Do they need glasses?
Many children do not. If your child does, we choose frames that are comfortable, flexible and hard to break, and we guarantee them for 12 months. Children are entitled to a voucher towards their glasses on the NHS.
What does it cost?
NHS eye tests are free for under 16s, and for under 19s in full-time education. See our children's eye care page and NHS eye tests.
Tips for the day
- Book a time when your child is not tired or hungry.
- Tell them that it is a bit like a game, and nothing will hurt.
- Bring any glasses they have now and tell us about any family eye conditions.
This is a demo shop; Clearview Opticians is fictional.