Kids Eye Test

Your child's vision is one of their most crucial senses and the most valuable tool for learning. With a regular comprehensive eye test, any vision problems in their young eyes can be detected early on. This means that any little one looking to start school, or continue through their schooling years, can do so with the best vision possible.

Set your child up for success by trusting a professional and booking an eye exam as soon as possible. Poor vision should not be a barrier to your child's enjoyment of the world around them.

Children's eye tests involve a thorough examination of your child's vision skills, performed by a professional optometrist. The exam follows a similar routine to adult eye tests, with minor adjustments made depending on their stage of development, and to prevent them from feeling scared or uncomfortable.

Commonly, these vision tests analyse a child's:

• Visual acuity
• Potential for eye injuries
• Processing of visual information
• Possibility of developing a particular vision problem
• Long- or short-sightedness

It is important to note that a child's vision develops rapidly as they age, meaning the early detection and treatment of vision problems is crucial. Without regular eye tests at varied stages of development, eye problems may go undetected and cause serious issues later in life.

That is why a child's eye should be examined at the following stages:

At this age, it is common for an optometrist to test a child's ability when it comes to perceiving colour and depth, as well as their focusing capabilities. This means a much simpler visual test than the usual identification of letters done by adults, especially since 6 months is when most children develop their vision.

A more complex eye test is done at 3 years old, compared to the initial 6 month old eye exam, aligning more with the usual adult examination. However, special symbols are used instead of letters to make it age-appropriate.

Additional tests are done for aspects like retina health, eye alignment to detect turned eyes, and amblyopia (also known as lazy eye).

It is advised to book an eye test for your child before they start school to ensure they have good vision to perform well. Additional annual tests are beneficial to detect the development of any further eye problems and update any prescriptions for those who require glasses.

Due to their young age, it may be difficult for your child to explain that they have a vision problem, especially if they are not aware of their differing sight. That is why it is beneficial to keep your eye out for the following signs they may need an eye test:

• Closing one eye to focus on a book, television, or other sight
• Frequent blinking
• Regular rubbing of the eyes
• Avoiding digital screens due to eye pain
• Sensitivity to light and/or excessive tearing up
• Often losing their place while reading, or requiring the guidance of a finger for their eyes
• Avoiding any activities that require near vision, like reading, or distance vision, like sports
• Mentions of headaches or tired eyes
• Straining or squinting their eyes
• White reflexes in photographs, much like red-eyes. However, serious medical attention is required if this sign is noticed
• Tilting their head to see better
• Falling behind in their education
• Noticeable misdirection or turned eyes
• Mentions double vision
• Messier handwriting
• Clumsiness or poor hand-eye coordination
• Not maintaining eye contact or failing to follow moving objects

If your child has one or more of these signs, it may be an indication that it is time to book an eye test. By assessing these vision problems early on, your child can enjoy better vision sooner and get back to the things they love.

Children's eye tests are modelled slightly differently than adult examinations to support the earlier stages of development. All tests and equipment are made to be child-friendly, and conducted by optometrists trained to make your little one as comfortable as possible during the process.

Generally, the process for a children's eye test is as follows:

• A test is booked with a trusted optometrist. It is best to choose a time that is convenient for your child. Namely, when they are at their calmest and most agreeable to a new process or surroundings.
• The optometrist will question you about the family's visual history ahead of the test.
• The test will usually begin with children identifying age-appropriate shapes and pictures on the vision charts.
• Additional tests will follow, focusing on their ability to see colour, ocular eye movements, and visual fields. Eye pressure tests will also be done on those children old enough and comfortable enough with the testing.
• The next stage will examine the potential for short-sightedness, long-sightedness, astigmatisms, lazy eyes, or turned eyes.
• The back of the eyes will also be checked for any health issues.
• The optometrist may also take a digital photograph.

Most of the time, an appointment will take around 20 minutes to complete. You can stay with your child the whole time, helping them remain calm and comfortable with the eye examination process.

Additionally, by the end of the testing, your optometrist will already have an understanding of any potential vision problems. They will then walk you through any treatment avenues to consider, such as buying children's glasses or eye exercises to do regularly for tired eyes. This is the best time to ask any questions you may have and get your child on the same page for the efforts needed to secure their vision.

Professional eye examinations are required to diagnose most vision problems. Catching them at a young age means early intervention and greater security of good vision leading into the future.

Several eye conditions are common in children, the following of which your optometrist will test for:

Amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye, refers to when one eye is weaker than the other. This causes the child to rely more on their 'good' eye, resulting in the appearance of the poorer eye being incapable of focusing properly.

Fortunately, this eye condition can be diagnosed by the age of four during an eye test. With early diagnosis and intervention, it can also be treated successfully without any long-term vision problems.

Treatment typically involves wearing glasses prescribed to correct the vision in the weaker eye. If further treatment is required, then a patch will be worn over the good eye for a portion of the day to encourage the weaker eye to work.

Astigmatism is typically genetic and very common in most populations. It is a minor eye condition that causes blurred or distorted vision when the cornea or lens is not perfectly curved.

Prescription glasses or contact lenses are used to correct the astigmatism. Without proper treatment, it is common for those with astigmatism to deal with headaches, tired eyes, or eye strain. This is particularly true for when they have been using their eyes to focus on words or digital screens for long periods.

Also known as long-sightedness, hyperopia is diagnosed in those children who find it easier to focus on things that are further away. Objects close up will be blurry and difficult to focus on, which is why many experience tired eyes while performing tasks such as reading.

It is common for many children to be slightly long-sighted, meaning that not everyone will require prescription lenses to correct the issue.

Myopia, also called short-sightedness, works oppositely to hyperopia. This means close objects can be seen clearly, while those further away will be difficult to focus on or blurry. This is an incredibly common eye condition, with most affected individuals diagnosed around 12 years of age. However, younger children can also have it and receive treatment through corrective lenses.

The condition of squinting refers to when a child's eye points in different directions. This condition can cause blurred vision, double vision, and even lead to a lazy eye over time.

While this condition is not as common as myopia or hyperopia, it is known to appear before a child turns five. Fortunately, routine eye tests can pick up this condition easily and treat it with corrective lenses and eye exercises. In the case that further treatment is needed, surgery may be required to move the muscles that control the eye. 

Across Australia, the state governments have rolled out key eyesight screening programs to help address children's vision problems at a young age. These programs often involve a free eye screening for children at certain ages, so be sure to check if you live in an area that offers one of the following programs.

The Statewide Eyesight Preschooler Screening, otherwise known as the StEPS program, is a NSW-specific program directed at 4 year old children. The initiative offers a free vision screening at this age with the intent of checking for any eye conditions before school starts.

If you live in NSW and are looking to get your 4 year old's vision tested, get in contact with your local StEPS Coordinator today. They can answer any questions you may have about the process and help you make a booking.

Those living in Victoria can choose from two vision tests for early childhood. The first one is performed after birth while your little one is still in the hospital. The second one is offered when they are around 3 and a half years old to catch any early signs of vision impairments.