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Kids Eye Test
Your child’s vision is their greatest source of learning. By getting young eyes tested early, you can prevent behavioural disorders, enable greater learning, and help your children reach their full potential.
What is a children’s eye test?
A children’s eye test is a complete and comprehensive testing of your
child’s vision skills, as performed by an optometrist. A kid’s eye test
isn’t very different from an adult test as there will only be some minor
adjustments to the type of testing done in order to make sure your
child’s eyes can be fully examined no matter what stage of development
they are at, while ensuring they will not be uncomfortable.
Please be advised that not all Oscar Wylee stores offer
eye tests
for children. Please call your nearest Oscar Wylee store to
enquire.
How can I check my kid’s eyesight?
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, you can perform a
very basic eye test for your child at home. You will need to print one
or more eye test charts. You can find vision tests that are safe and
valid to print and use for your children at
Sydney Orthoptic. Then, you will need something to cover a single eye, like a spoon or
a paper cup and a stick or something to point with.
Once you
have everything, have your child sit at least 3 metres from the chart
and say out loud what you are pointing to on the chart as you go through
it.
Be advised that a home test vision is not a substitute for an eye
exam by a healthcare professional.
Statewide Eyesight Preschooler Screening
The Statewide Eyesight Preschooler Screening, or StEPS program, is a NSW
health initiative that offers all 4 years old children a free eye
screening. Other states across Australia offer similar screening
programs, such as the Primary School Nurse Health Readiness program in
Queensland or the Melbourne Initial Screening Test in Victoria. This
screening test is not as extensive as a comprehensive eye test and may
miss key issues your child has.
As such, it’s advised you
also book an appointment with an optometrist to ensure your child’s
vision is properly checked.
Need to have your eyes tested?
Book an appointment with an Oscar Wylee optometrist.
When should a child’s eyes be examined?
As at least 80% of a young child’s education is done through visual
information, according to
Clarendon Vision Development Center, a child’s eye is best examined before they first start school, when
you suspect there may be issues or at your optometrists discretion.
By testing your children’s vision skills before they first
start their education, you can have early detection of any vision issues
and take preventative measures before they could affect your child’s
education.
Signs your child might need an eye exam
The following are signs that your child might need an eye exam or is showing early warning signs that they could have a vision problem. These signs are:
- Low hand eye coordination
- Poor motor skills, repeatedly running into things
- Sore eyes or constant rubbing
- Poor focus and writing
- Unusual eye movements
- Compensatory head posture
- Constant statements of headaches or nausea
If one or more of these signs, or others, start to affect your child’s daily life, consider booking an appointment.
What happens during a children's eye test?
Your kids’ eye test will be conducted very similarly to an adult test. However, the room and test itself will be made more engaging for your child’s convenience and comfort. They will also test your child for specific conditions that they may not test you for as an adult.
- First, the test has to be booked in a time that is convenient for your child and when they will be at their calmest and most agreeable.
- They will likely ask you questions about you and your child’s visual family history before the test begins.
- In many children’s eye tests, they will use easily recognisable shapes and pictures in place of letters on the LogMAR and Snellen chart.
- Your child will then have their ability to see colour tested, as well as their visual fields, ocular eye movements, and eye pressure testing. Eye pressure testing is unlikely to be done so your child can feel more safe and comfortable.
- Further examination will look for signs of short sightedness, long sightedness, lazy eye, astigmatism or turned eyes.
- The optometrist will also check the back of the eye for eye health issues
- A digital photograph of your child’s eye may also be taken.
To learn more about what happens during your kid’s eye test, take a look at our eye exam for children article.
How much does a kid's eye test cost?
At Oscar Wylee, our optometrists offer
bulk billed eye
exams for all eligible medicare cardholders. This means that with a
valid Medicare card, you will pay no out of pocket expenses for you or
your child’s eye tests.
Children’s eye tests are not available at all Oscar Wylee
stores.
When does a child need glasses?
A child’s vision is constantly developing, this is especially
important during the schooling years. During this time, a child could
need
glasses
in order to help them perform their visual tasks as well as further
helping the development of their eyes.
Some eye problems may also correct themselves as your child
grows, such as certain focussing or eye alignment issues. It is
recommended that an eye test be done every 2-3 years after the initial
test for this reason.
Struggling to find the right frames
for your child? Check out our
14 best kid’s types to
make the perfect pick for your children.
What is normal vision for a child?
Normal vision for a child can be different depending on their age. If you or your child’s teacher/carer suspect that your child may have reduced vision, book an appointment with an optometrist to perform a thorough examination to determine whether or not this is normal.
Are you worried about your vision?
It’s recommended everyone has a complete eye examination at least
once every two years.
Book yours today with Oscar Wylee.
Book an eye test
Oscar Wylee offers bulk billed eye tests, so there are no out-of-pocket expenses for eligible Medicare card holders.