Eye Tests as Thorough as Your Child Deserves
WHY REGULAR EYE TESTS MATTER FOR CHILDREN
Children's eyes develop rapidly — and problems that go undetected early can affect far more than their sight. Difficulty reading, poor concentration, and even behavioural issues in school are often linked to undiagnosed vision problems.
The challenge is that children rarely complain about their vision. If they've never seen the world any other way, they simply don't know what they're missing.
That's why regular eye tests from an early age matter so much. At Eye Emporium, we've been caring for children's eyes since 1982 — and we know how to make the experience easy and reassuring for children and parents alike.
Eye emporium in numbers
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1M+eyes cared for -
5.0Trustpilot score -
16average years experience of our optometrists -
42years and still family run -
15stores, same personal service
SIGNS YOUR CHILD MAY NEED AN EYE TEST
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Squinting or Closing One EyeIf your child regularly squints or closes one eye to focus, it could be a sign of short-sightedness, long-sightedness, or an imbalance between the two eyes.
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Sitting Too Close to ScreensHolding books very close to their face or sitting right in front of the TV isn't just a bad habit — it can be your child's way of compensating for blurred vision at a normal distance. Worth investigating sooner rather than later.
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Headaches or Tired EyesFrequent headaches, especially after schoolwork, are often a sign that your child's eyes are working harder than they should to focus. Eye strain is easily missed but easily addressed with the right prescription.
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Struggling at SchoolDifficulty reading, losing their place on the page, or struggling to copy from the board can all point to an undiagnosed vision problem. Sometimes children who appear to have learning difficulties are simply not seeing clearly enough to keep up.
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Tilting or Turning Their HeadIf your child consistently tilts or turns their head to one side when looking at something, it may indicate a squint, a muscle imbalance, or a difference in vision between the two eyes — all of which are treatable when caught early.
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Rubbing Their EyesOccasional eye rubbing is normal, but frequent rubbing — especially when reading or concentrating — can be a sign of eye strain, allergies, or a vision problem that's causing the eyes to work overtime.
COMMON EYE CONDITIONS IN CHILDREN
Many childhood eye conditions are highly treatable when caught early. Here are the most common ones our optometrists check for
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Myopia (Short-sightedness)
A child with myopia can see close objects clearly, but distant ones appear blurred — making it hard to see the board at school. Myopia tends to worsen as children grow, so early detection and monitoring is important.
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Hypermetropia (Long-sightedness)
Children with hypermetropia struggle to focus on close objects. It often causes eyestrain, headaches, and difficulty reading — and is frequently mistaken for a learning difficulty rather than a vision problem.
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Astigmatism
Caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, astigmatism makes vision blurry or distorted at all distances. It's very common and easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
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Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
Lazy eye develops when one eye doesn't develop normal vision in early childhood, often because the brain starts to favour the stronger eye. It's one of the most important conditions to detect early — treatment is most effective before the age of seven.
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Strabismus (Squint)
A squint is where the eyes point in different directions — one eye may turn inward, outward, upward, or downward. It can cause the brain to suppress the image from the affected eye, leading to lazy eye if left untreated.
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Colour Vision Deficiency
Colour blindness affects roughly 1 in 12 boys and 1 in 200 girls. While it can't be corrected, early identification means children and parents can understand the condition and make adjustments where needed — particularly in a learning environment.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A CHILDREN'S EYE TEST?
Book an eye test-
1
A Friendly Welcome
We start by getting to know your child and understanding any concerns you have as a parent. There's no rush and no pressure — we go at your child's pace throughout.
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2
Vision & Acuity Test
We check how clearly your child can see at different distances, using age-appropriate charts — including pictures and shapes for younger children who can't yet read letters.
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3
Eye Movement & Muscle Test
We assess how well your child's eyes work together, checking for signs of squint, lazy eye, or coordination difficulties that could affect reading and learning.
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4
Colour Vision Test
A simple, engaging test to check whether your child can distinguish colours correctly — important for learning and development.
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5
Eye Health Examination
Using specialist equipment, we examine the internal and external structures of your child's eyes — checking for any conditions that may need monitoring or treatment.
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Reassurance note: The whole appointment typically takes around 20–30 minutes. You're welcome to stay with your child throughout — and we'll always explain everything we're doing in a way your child can understand.
Children's eyes weren't built for screens
Today's children are growing up with screens earlier than any generation before them — and the evidence is clear that increased screen time is driving a rapid rise in myopia in children worldwide.
Tiredness, headaches, and struggling to focus after screen time aren't just signs of a tired child. They're your child's eyes telling you something.
At Eye Emporium, we assess the impact screens are having on your child's vision and give you practical advice on how to protect their eyes as they grow.
Ready to book your child's eye test?
Great eye care starts early. Our team is ready to welcome your child, put them at ease, and make sure their eyes get the attention they deserve.
USEFUL INFORMATION
At what age should my child have their first eye test?
Children can have an eye test at toddler age. You don't need to wait until your child can read or speak. Our optometrists use age-appropriate techniques that require no verbal responses at all.
Can my child have an eye test if they can't read yet?
Absolutely. We use pictures, shapes, and specialist equipment that doesn't require literacy. We can examine children's eyes thoroughly from a very young age.
How often should my child have an eye test?
We recommend every year for children under 16, and every two years for young people aged 16 to 18. Children's eyes can change quickly, so annual checks ensure any changes are caught and managed early. If your child wears glasses or has a family history of eye conditions, your optometrist may recommend more frequent visits.
My child is nervous — what should I do?
Let us know when you book and we'll make sure to allow extra time and go at your child's pace. You're welcome to stay with them throughout, and a favourite toy or comfort item is always welcome.
What happens during the test as my child gets older?
For older children, tests become more detailed. We use Snellen and LogMAR charts — rows of letters or numbers in decreasing sizes — and assess eye muscle movement, refraction, and stereopsis (3D vision). Older children may also be assessed for the suitability of contact lenses.
Are children's eye tests free?
Yes. All children under 16 — and young people aged 16 to 18 in full-time education — are entitled to a free NHS eye test. No referral needed, just book directly with Eye Emporium.
What if my child needs glasses?
If your child qualifies for an NHS optical voucher, this contributes towards the cost of their frames and lenses. Our team will advise on eligibility and help you find frames your child will actually want to wear — durable, colourful, and sized just right.
There's a history of glasses or lazy eye in our family — should I get my child tested?
Yes, and as early as possible. Many eye conditions have a strong genetic component — if you, your partner, or a sibling wears glasses or has been diagnosed with lazy eye, squint, or a strong prescription, your child has a higher chance of developing the same. Early detection makes all the difference, particularly with lazy eye, where treatment is most effective before the age of seven. Don't wait for signs to appear — a precautionary test is always worthwhile.
Can you transfer my records from my last opticians?
Yes, of course! Just let us know the details of your previous optician and we'll contact them directly to request your prescription and any relevant eye health information
Do I need to bring anything to the appointment?
It's helpful to bring your childs last prescription or current glasses with you. If they wear contact lenses, bring those too along with the packaging so we have your lens details.