Children's Eye Exams: When to Start and What to Expect
Vision is the sense that feeds the most information to the brain during learning. Yet many vision problems in children go undetected for years because kids don't know they "can't see well" — they simply assume everyone sees the same way they do. A timely eye exam can be the difference between a child who learns easily and one who struggles without knowing why.
At Òptica Florit we see many families who bring their children in with vision problems no one had picked up before. In this article we explain when to book the first exam, what warning signs to watch for, and what the process involves.
When should the first eye exam take place?
Basic paediatric check
The paediatrician checks the pupil reflex and that the eyes move correctly. No optician visit is needed at this stage, but extra attention is warranted if there is a family history of strabismus or amblyopia.
First complete exam at the optician
At 3, a full objective exam is already possible. Myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and possible amblyopia ("lazy eye") can all be detected. This is the most important milestone exam.
Pre-school exam
Essential before year one. Uncorrected vision problems are one of the most common causes of learning difficulties. Many children labelled "distracted" simply can't see the board.
Follow-up exams
If vision is normal, every two years is enough. If the child wears glasses or there are risk factors (myopic parents, heavy screen use), annual exams are recommended.
Signs your child may have a vision problem
Holds books or screens very close
Classic sign of myopia. The child moves closer to compensate for blurriness at distance.
Squints to see
Another sign of myopia. Squinting reduces the pupil aperture and temporarily improves focus.
Can't see the board from the back of the class
May complain openly or silently copy from classmates — often going unnoticed by teachers.
Frequent headaches when studying
Sustained effort to focus at near distances can cause frontal headaches and eye fatigue.
Struggles to read or skips lines
May indicate convergence or eye-movement issues — not necessarily dyslexia.
A turned eye (strabismus)
If the eyes are misaligned, the brain may "switch off" one to avoid double vision. Needs urgent attention.
Clumsiness or difficulty judging distances
Binocular vision problems affect depth perception and can make a child appear clumsy in sport.
Tires quickly when reading or studying
Visual fatigue after a short reading session can signal uncorrected hyperopia or accommodation problems.
What happens during a child's eye exam?
| Test | What it detects | Child's cooperation needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Retinoscopy / Autorefractor | Myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism | No — the optometrist measures directly |
| Cover test | Latent or manifest strabismus | Minimal — just needs to look at a target |
| Visual acuity test | Sharpness of vision at various distances | Yes — pictures or letters depending on age |
| Binocular vision test | Coordination between the two eyes | Minimal |
| Fundus exam (if indicated) | Retina and optic nerve health | No — dilating drops used if necessary |
Common myths about children's vision
-
"If they see fine at a distance, they don't need an exam"
Hyperopia, astigmatism, binocular problems, and amblyopia can all exist alongside good distance acuity.
✓ Reality: A complete eye exam detects far more than basic visual acuity. -
"Glasses make your eyes worse"
Glasses do not worsen vision. Myopia progresses due to genetic and environmental factors, not wearing correction.
✓ Reality: Not correcting vision does not slow progression and can worsen amblyopia. -
"They're too young for glasses"
There is no minimum age for glasses. If a 2-year-old needs correction, the sooner the better.
✓ Reality: Glasses designed specifically for babies and toddlers are safe and comfortable. -
"The school already checks their eyes"
School screening only catches severe acuity problems and has a high false-negative rate.
✓ Reality: School screening is complementary to — not a replacement for — a professional exam.
Myopia control in children: what you need to know in 2026
| Treatment | Description | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) | Rigid gas-permeable overnight lenses that temporarily reshape the cornea | High — 40–60% reduction in progression |
| Myopia-control contact lenses | Soft lenses with a special optical design (e.g. MiSight, Mylo) | High — 50–60% reduction |
| Myopia-control spectacles | Lenses with peripheral optical technology (e.g. Stellest, MiyoSmart) | Medium-high — up to 60% reduction in some studies |
| Low-dose atropine | Eye drops prescribed by an ophthalmologist at very low concentrations | Variable — effective but requires medical follow-up |
Frequently asked questions
When was your child's last eye exam?
At Òptica Florit we carry out complete children's eye exams from age 3. If your child hasn't been checked in the past year, book an appointment today.
Book a children's eye exam