- Your child does not need to be able to read to have an eye test
- It is important to identify and treat problems while the eyesight is still developing, to prevent permanent vision impairment.
Taking your child for a sight test at an early age can make sure their general development is not affected by poor vision.
A child does not have to read to have a sight test. Children don’t complain if they cannot see properly, particularly if the problem is only in one eye.
Children’s eyes develop from birth; most children have good vision, however if they do have a problem the earlier it is found and treated the better. If it is missed the vision in one or both eyes can be permanently reduced.
The NHS pays for sight testing for all children under 16 years old. If glasses are needed the NHS supplies a voucher. This can be used for basic glasses, or can be put towards the cost of more expensive glasses.
Make sure your child’s eyes are tested especially if:
- There are any developmental or learning problems
- One or both eyes turn in or out
- There are any eye problems in the family
- A photograph shows a pale pupil in one eye
Take your child for an eye test at two or even earlier if you think there is a problem.