What is a children's eye test?
Children's eye tests are specially adapted to suit the age and development stage of your child. Good vision is essential for learning, social development, and overall wellbeing, yet many children do not realise they have a sight problem because they have never known anything different. Detecting and treating conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye), squint (strabismus), and refractive errors early gives the best chance of successful correction.
All children in the UK are entitled to free NHS-funded sight tests. The NHS recommends that children have their first eye test before they start school — ideally around age three or four — and then regularly throughout their school years. Many areas also have vision screening programmes in Reception year (age 4–5), but this is not a substitute for a full eye test with an optometrist.
You do not need to wait until your child can read to book an eye test. Optometrists use age-appropriate methods such as picture charts, shape-matching games, and objective measurement techniques that do not require any verbal response from your child. If your child is struggling at school, sitting too close to the television, or complaining of headaches, an eye test should be a first step.
Who needs a children's eye test?
- All children, ideally from around age three
- Children starting school for the first time
- Any child showing signs of squinting, sitting too close to screens, or tilting their head
- Children struggling to read or concentrate at school
- Children with a family history of squint, lazy eye, or other eye conditions
- Babies and toddlers if parents have any concerns about their vision
What to expect during a children's eye test
- 1A friendly, child-focused environment to help your child feel relaxed
- 2Age-appropriate vision tests using pictures, shapes, or letters depending on the child's ability
- 3An assessment of how well both eyes work together (binocular vision)
- 4A check for squint or lazy eye
- 5The optometrist may use drops to dilate the pupils for a more thorough examination if needed
- 6Results and any referral recommendations are discussed with the parent or guardian
How much does it cost?
Free — all children under 16 (and under 19 in full-time education) qualify for NHS-funded sight tests
How often should you have this test?
Annually for school-age children; more often if a problem is detected or being monitored