Overview
Children rarely report a vision problem, because they have nothing to compare it to. A child who sees poorly out of one eye simply believes that is what seeing is like. That is why paediatric eye exams do not rely on the child telling you anything.
Timing matters more here than anywhere else in eye care. Conditions like amblyopia respond well to treatment when caught early and become much harder to correct once the visual system has matured.
What happens during the visit?
- Age-appropriate acuity testing — pictures, matching games, or automated instruments for infants.
- Checks for eye alignment and teaming, looking for strabismus.
- A refraction, often with drops, because children can mask a prescription by focusing hard.
- A health check of the back of the eye.
- Practical advice on screen time, outdoor time and myopia progression.
Who should book one?
A first exam is commonly recommended around six to twelve months, again before starting school, and then on a regular schedule. Sooner if you notice an eye turning, head tilting, sitting very close to screens, squinting, or a white reflection in photographs.
How to prepare
- Book a time when your child is rested, not right before a nap.
- Mention any family history of a lazy eye, a squint, or strong prescriptions in childhood.
- Expect drops. They sting for a moment and blur near vision for several hours.
- Bring a snack and something to do — expect to be there a while.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Only an eye care professional who has examined you can tell you what is actually going on.