Children’s Eye Tests

Ensuring your child's vision is healthy and their eyes are developing correctly is crucial for their overall well-being and learning. Regular eye examinations are recommended for children to detect and treat any vision problems early on. Children's eye examinations are free at Leightons as part of the NHS-funded eye care service.

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Signs your child may need an eye test

It's essential to be aware of the signs that may indicate your child needs an eye examination. Here are some common indicators:

  • Squinting or frowning when trying to focus
  • Frequent eye rubbing or blinking
  • Holding objects very close to their face
  • Tilting their head or covering one eye
  • Complaining of headaches or eye strain
  • Difficulty reading, writing, or copying from the board at school
  • Poor hand-eye coordination or clumsiness

If you notice any of these signs, it's advisable to schedule an eye test for your child.

Child wearing pink glasses with an adult's hand adjusting them, against a neutral background.

Meet Ned

Ned is one of our youngest and most loyal Leightons patients. Ned first came to our Cobham practice at just 14 months old with a hospital prescription. Since then, our team has supported him every step of the way — from managing his hypermetropia and esotropia to finding the perfect prescription swimming goggles so he never misses out on what he loves most.

No one is ever too young for an eye test. Early detection and regular check-ups help protect your child’s vision, supporting healthy development and confident sight as they grow.

Book your child's eye test
A pair of stylish sunglasses resting on a green tray.

What happens at a child's eye test?

Find out more about what to expect during your child's eye test and how we ensure a personalised and thorough experience focused on their vision and eye health.

1

Understanding your needs

Our experienced optometrists are trained to make children's eye tests fun and engaging. Throughout the process, our friendly staff will explain each step in a way that your child can understand, making the experience enjoyable and stress-free.

2

Visual acuity test

This test measures how well your child can see at different distances using an eye chart with letters, numbers, or pictures.

3

Eye muscle test

We'll assess how well your child's eyes work together and their ability to focus and track objects.

4

Colour vision test

This test checks if your child can distinguish different colours correctly.

5

Eye health examination

Our optometrist will use specialised equipment to examine the internal and external structures of your child's eyes, ensuring they are healthy and developing properly.

Common eye problems & symptoms in children

Children can experience various eye problems and symptoms, some of which may require treatment or corrective measures. Here are some common issues:

Hypermetropia (long-sightedness)

A refractive error where distant objects are seen more clearly than nearby objects due to the eye's inability to focus light properly onto the retina.

Myopia (short-sightedness)

A refractive error where distant objects appear blurred while close objects can be seen clearly
Learn more about myopia

Astigmatism

A common refractive error in the eye where the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, causing blurred or distorted vision at various distances.
Learn more about astigmatism

Amblyopia (lazy eye)

A condition where one eye has reduced vision compared to the other, often due to abnormal visual development during childhood.

Strabismus (squint)

A condition where the eyes are misaligned and do not point in the same direction. Frequently, where strabismus occurs, amblyopia will follow.

Colour vision deficiency

A condition where individuals have difficulty distinguishing certain colours or perceiving colours accurately

Early detection and management of these conditions are crucial for your child's visual development and overall well-being. Please note that a range of options can be used in the management of ocular issues, such as spectacles, contact lenses and even eye exercises.

Book an appointment

Booking an appointment is easy - choose a time that works for you with our simple online system. Prefer to speak to someone? Call us on 0800 40 20 20 (lines open Mon–Sat, 8.30am – 5pm).

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Find your nearest branch

Whether you need expert optical or hearing care, our friendly teams are here to help. With 36 branches across the South of England, finding your local Leightons is just a click away with our branch finder.

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FAQs

Yes, children's eye tests are free on the NHS for those under the age of 16, or under 19 if they are in full-time education. Regular eye tests are essential to ensure your child’s vision is developing properly and to catch any issues early. Early detection and treatment can address issues before they worsen.

We recommend adding Retinal Photography, OCT and Optomap services to your NHS sight test at a small additional cost.

If your child experiences blurred vision, squinting, frequent eye rubbing, or difficulty with close-up or distance vision, they may need glasses. If you notice any of these, it’s a good idea to book an eye test. Our optometrists will conduct a comprehensive eye test and recommend the appropriate corrective lenses if necessary.

Excessive screen time can strain a child's eyes and potentially contribute to vision problems. It's essential to encourage regular breaks, ensure their screen is at a comfortable distance and limit screen time to prevent eye fatigue, dry eyes, and other related issues. Our optometrists can provide guidance on healthy screen habits for your child's visual well-being.

Yes, your child's discomfort when reading could likely be due to eye strain or an underlying vision issue. Reading for extended periods without breaks can cause eye fatigue, headaches, blurred vision, and difficulty focusing - symptoms of eye strain. Uncorrected refractive errors like hypermetropia or astigmatism, as well as problems with eye focusing, coordination abilities or visual stress, can cause or worsen these symptoms.

To identify the cause, schedule a comprehensive eye exam for your child with an optometrist, who can evaluate their vision and provide appropriate treatment recommendations.