As the back-to-school checklist grows—uniforms, pencil cases, new shoes—one vital task often slips through the cracks: booking a children’s eye test. Our optometrists are revealing eye-opening facts about why eye exams for children are key to academic success and overall well-being.
Can Your Child’s Vision Be Affected By Undiagnosed Problems?
With 80% of learning being visual, clear eyesight isn’t just helpful in the classroom—it’s fundamental. The key thing to remember is that children won’t always tell you they’re struggling to see. Many simply assume what they’re experiencing is normal.
However, undiagnosed vision issues can affect more than just schoolwork. They can impact a child’s ability to concentrate, socialise, or even take part in sports. In some cases, it may lead to frustration or behavioural challenges. In short, poor vision can knock a child’s development and confidence without anyone realising the root cause.
What Are the Most Common Vision Issues in Children?
Common vision correction issues include short-sightedness, clinically known as myopia, which means your child may struggle to see distant objects. This is caused by the eye growing too long, which makes light focus in front of the retina rather than on it. Long-sightedness, aka hyperopia, means close objects appear blurry, due to the eye being too short and light focusing behind the retina.
Spotting the Signs: Vision Problems in Children
Symptoms to watch for include:
- Frequent squinting
- Sitting too close to screens or books
- Complaints of headaches or tired eyes
- Struggling with reading or writing
- Avoiding reading altogether
- Rubbing eyes excessively or blinking a lot
What Other Childhood Eye Problems Can Occur?
If left unchecked, more severe forms of short or long-sightedness may lead to childhood eye problems such as a lazy eye or squint, which can become permanent if not addressed early. That’s why regular eye tests for kids are crucial for early detection and consequently, their overall development.
A Child-Friendly Environment for an Eye Test
At The Optical Studio, a children’s eye test is designed to be as relaxed and reassuring as possible. We understand that a trip to the optician can feel as daunting for some kids as seeing the dentist! That’s why our experienced optometrists across all six practices in Farnham, Dorking, Virginia Water, Godalming, Haslemere, and Pimlico go the extra mile to create a welcoming and child-friendly environment.
What Can You Expect During Our Children’s Eye Test?
During the appointment, our optometrists use age-appropriate methods to assess your child’s vision, overall eye health, and how your child’s eyes work together. If your child isn’t yet reading confidently, we’ll use images instead of letters. It’s all about making sure they feel comfortable and understood.
We’ll then recommend glasses or contact lenses that suit their age and lifestyle if we find vision correction is needed. Our team is also on hand to help you choose frames your child will feel happy wearing—a small touch that can make a big difference in encouraging regular use.
How Often Should Your Child Have an Eye Test?
NHS guidelines recommend that children under 16 have an eye test once a year, unless advised otherwise by our optometrists. If it’s been over two years since your child’s last appointment—or they’re showing any symptoms of vision issues—it’s worth booking in before they start school again. Eye tests often catch changes parents and children don’t notice, helping to protect your child’s eyesight now and in the future.
For just £15, we also offer retinal imaging for children over 8. This enhancement provides a detailed image of the back of the eye, allowing us to detect potential issues early. While the standard eye test is covered by the NHS, this small extra cost ensures a more thorough check-up for your child’s eye health.
Book Early to Beat the School Rush
Your search for a children’s eye test near you ends here! Don’t wait until blurry vision affects your child’s learning and confidence. Secure your appointment with our opticians in Farnham, Dorking, Virginia Water, Godalming, Haslemere, or Pimlico.
Request an appointment online today or give us a call for friendly advice before the school rush begins!