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Getting Your Child School-Ready – What to Expect from a Children’s Eye Test

Post on 8th August 2025

As the new school year approaches, parents are busy checking off their back-to-school to-do lists. New uniforms, fresh stationery and shoes are all common priorities. However, there’s one crucial item that often gets overlooked – ensuring your child’s vision is ready for the classroom ahead.

At Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care, with more than 85 years’ of experience in eye care, we understand that many parents feel uncertain about what to expect from their child’s first eye test or aren’t sure when to book one. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process and understand why your child’s eyesight should be a top priority.

 

Why children’s eye tests are more important than ever

Did you know that up to 80% of learning is visual? This makes excellent vision crucial for your child’s academic success. As children grow, their eyes are constantly changing, making it essential to monitor their eye health regularly.

The statistics are concerning. More than 1.6 million school–aged children in England could be living with an undiagnosed vision problem that impacts on their educational and social development. With eye tests for children no longer mandatory at school – if you don’t book your children’s eye test, no one will! Poor eyesight can lead to issues affecting children’s development, school performance, professional opportunities and quality of life.

 

The growing myopia concern

There’s a growing concern among eye care professionals about the number of children requiring glasses due to myopia (short-sightedness). At Scrivens, there is an increasing number of children requiring prescription glasses for myopia, but we know there are many falling between the gaps.

Myopia is on the rise and it is predicted that 50% of the world’s population will be myopic by 2050. This trend is particularly worrying given the amount of screen time children now experience daily.

As much as we want to limit our children’s screen time, especially during the holidays, it’s a fact of modern life. From watching TV, playing video games, doing homework and even some lessons – all involve spending time in front of a screen.

This makes monitoring your children’s eye health more important than ever. Although increasing the amount of time children spend outdoors may help prevent or delay the progression of myopia, regular eye tests remain essential throughout their education.

 

Warning signs – does your child need glasses?

Vision changes can be subtle and difficult to detect, making regular eye tests essential for identifying potential issues early. However, there are certain warning signs that you can keep an eye out for that could suggest your child might need glasses:

  • Complaining of headaches
  • Problems reading
  • Regularly rubbing their eyes or complaining of dry eyes
  • Sitting too close to the television
  • Squinting
  • One eye that is not focusing or behaving like the other
  • Children tilting their head on one side

 

When to schedule your child’s eye test

We recommend taking children for an eye test when they reach school age, between the ages of four and five years old. However, we usually recommend an earlier eye test if there are any concerns or family history of lazy eye (amblyopia).

The school holidays are an ideal time, as children’s eyes are continuously changing, and you rarely see the signs until it’s quite advanced.

The ideal timing for a back-to-school eye test is 4-6 weeks before term starts, allowing enough time to:

  • Address any vision issues discovered
  • Order and receive new glasses if needed
  • Let your child adjust to wearing glasses before school begins
  • Schedule any follow-up appointments if necessary

 

Making eye tests fun – what to expect

Children’s eye tests at Scrivens branches are designed to be enjoyable and child-friendly. Our optometrists and branch staff are trained to create a welcoming atmosphere, and you can stay with your child throughout the test.

The good news is that specialised tests are available for young children who cannot yet read, meaning no child is too young for an eye examination. We have created a helpful video to show how easy and comfortable an eye test can be – it’s a fun and simple way to explain the process to kids visiting the opticians for the first time.

 

The eye test process

A typical children’s eye test takes 20-30 minutes and is completely painless and non-invasive. To find out how short or long sighted your child is, your Optometrist will run a number of tests, including asking them to read letters and words, with the print becoming smaller as they progress. Your prescription will be determined by how many of these letters your child manages to read clearly, before needing the help of a corrective lens.

There are various child-friendly testing methods we use to check the quality of your child’s vision. These include:

  • Special charts allowing children to recognise shapes or pictures, or match letters for all ages
  • Test whether one eye is stronger than the other
  • Try a range of different powered lenses to see what correction, if any, your child requires
  • Check eye muscles are working well as a pair
  • If it is a first eye exam colour vision and depth perception test

Your Optometrist will also examine the back of the eye to find out how healthy your child’s eyes are and check for any potential problems.

 

After the test

Once all the relevant tests have been carried out, your Optometrist will:

  • Discuss the results and offer any advice tailored to your child’s needs
  • Talk you through particular lens options to match your child’s prescription and lifestyle
  • Give you a copy of your child’s prescription (which will be unique to your child and their vision)
  • Help you understand and read your prescription and recommend the best options. We have also developed a guide to understanding your prescription

You can then pick from our range of frames and lenses, there will be time after your test to try on different pairs to see which feel best.

 

Frequently asked questions

Will my child be scared? Our child-friendly approach and welcoming staff help make the experience positive and stress-free.

How often should we return? We typically recommend annual eye tests for children, or sooner if any concerns arise.

What if my child needs glasses? Don’t worry – we’ll guide you through the next steps including frame selection and help your child adjust to their new glasses gradually. The Optometrist will recommend when they want to see your child next.

 

Take action today

 

Don’t let poor vision hold your child back. Help them see their way to success by booking an NHS funded eye test. Take advantage of the NHS’s free eye examinations for children under 16 (or 19 in full-time education) and prioritise their visual health today for a better tomorrow.

You will find help and advice on our website or alternatively visit your local Scrivens branch.

If you found these top tips useful, you may also be interested in tips for healthy vision in the digital age.