Children can have their eyes tested from a very young age, even before they can read or recognise letters. There's no need to wait until your child starts school to think about their eyesight. We explore when children can have their first eye test, how their vision can be assessed from a young age and the signs that may mean it's worth booking sooner.
Author: Murray Reyburn
Your child's vision develops rapidly during their early years, but it isn't always easy to tell if they're having difficulty seeing. Children often don't realise there's a problem because they don't know what their vision should look like. That's why we recommend introducing regular eye tests from a young age.
There’s no set age for a child’s first eye test. At Leightons, our optometrists generally recommend booking your child’s first routine eye test from around the age of two.
At this age, your child doesn't need to know their letters or even be able to explain exactly what they can see. Our optometrists can use pictures, shapes, lights and other age-appropriate techniques to understand how their eyes are developing.
After their first appointment, we generally recommend:
Every child is different, so your optometrist will advise how frequently your child should be seen based on their individual vision and eye health.
We've explored this in more detail in 'The importance of eye tests for children', including how healthy vision can support learning, confidence and everyday life.
Yes. Children don't need to be able to read, recognise letters or even communicate in the same way as an adult to have their vision assessed.
Babies' eyes are checked as part of routine health and developmental assessments, but these checks are different from a full eye examination with an optometrist.
If you have concerns about your baby's or toddler's vision, there's no need to wait until they're older before seeking professional advice.
Ned had his first eye test with Leightons at just 14 months old and has been visiting us ever since. Watch Ned's story and see how we made his first experience with us a positive one.
Your child's visual system continues to develop throughout childhood. Identifying certain problems while their vision is still developing can make a significant difference to how they are managed.
Regular eye tests also allow your optometrist to monitor changes as your child grows, rather than relying solely on whether your child notices a difference themselves.
If you'd like to understand some of the conditions an eye test can identify, explore the common eyesight problems in children, from short-sightedness and astigmatism to lazy eye and colour vision deficiency.
Even if your child hasn't experienced any obvious problems with their eyesight, having their vision checked before starting school can be a valuable step.
Clear, comfortable vision plays an important role in many classroom activities, from reading and writing to seeing the board and using digital screens.
An eye test can provide reassurance that your child's vision is developing as expected and identify any problems that may make these activities more difficult.
You don't need to wait until your child's next routine appointment if you're concerned about their eyes or vision. Consider arranging an eye test if you notice your child:
For babies and younger children, signs such as difficulty following objects with their eyes, unusual eye movements or concerns about how their eyes appear should also be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional.
A children's eye test shouldn't be something for you or your child to worry about. At Leightons, we'll take our time and adapt the examination to your child's age and ability.
Your optometrist will assess areas such as how clearly your child can see, how their eyes focus and work together, and the overall health of their eyes.
For younger children, we can use pictures, shapes, matching activities and colourful lights instead of relying on a traditional letter chart. This helps make the appointment relaxed and engaging while still allowing us to gather important information about their vision.
It can also help to arrange the appointment for a time of day when your child is usually awake, comfortable and alert.
Before the examination, let your optometrist know about any concerns you've noticed with your child's eyes, vision, reading or visual behaviour.
It's also useful to tell us about any relevant family history of eye conditions, whether your child was born prematurely and whether they've previously worn glasses or received treatment for their eyes.
The more information we have, the better we can tailor their examination.
Yes. NHS eye tests are free for children under 16 and for young people under 19 who are in full-time education.
If you'd like a more in-depth assessment of your child's eye health, Leightons also offers the option to upgrade their examination with additional advanced imaging.
Our team can explain the different examination options and recommend what's appropriate for your child.
If we identify a vision problem, your optometrist will explain what they've found and discuss the most appropriate next steps.
This may simply mean monitoring their vision, or your child may benefit from glasses, contact lenses or another form of vision management.
If glasses are recommended, we'll help find a comfortable pair that fits properly and suits your child's needs. Eligible children can also receive NHS support towards the cost of their glasses.
Whether your child is approaching their second birthday, getting ready to start school or you've noticed something that doesn't seem quite right, we're here to make their first eye test a positive experience.
Our experienced optometrists will take the time to make your child feel comfortable while carefully assessing how their eyes and vision are developing.
Book an eye test online, call us on 0800 40 20 20, or visit your local Leightons practice.
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