One of the most common questions parents ask us in the consult room is, “At what age can I take my child for their first eye test?” The short answer is: anytime, especially if you have concerns! When we assess children’s vision and eye health, we use different testing methods compared to an adult eye test, and you’d be surprised by how much we can learn from a child as young as 6 months old. In this blog, we’ll address some of the most frequently asked questions about children’s first eye tests.
Should I bring My Child to see an ophthalmologist or optometrist?
In Australia, both ophthalmologists and optometrists are trained to examine children’s eyes. However, it’s advisable to take your child to a practitioner who specializes in or has experience with children’s eye care. Optometrists are generally more accessible than ophthalmologists, as you don’t need a referral to see one. While optometrists don’t perform surgery, if we believe your child needs an ophthalmologist for a specific condition or treatment, we can refer you to a specialist, potentially allowing your child to be seen sooner.
What Can Optometrists Check for Children Under School Age?
For preschool-aged children, our primary focus is ensuring their eyes are healthy and free from significant conditions that could hinder their visual development. Common conditions that can impact a child’s vision development—and are often detected and managed by optometrists—include myopia, astigmatism, high hyperopia, and intermittently turned eyes. You can learn more about these conditions in our previous blog.
In addition to these congenital and chronic conditions, our therapeutically endorsed optometrists are equipped to manage or triage acute issues such as red, sore eyes, eye infection and eye injuries, ensuring your child’s eyes are treated promptly and appropriately.
What should I Expect For My Children’s First Eye Test?
For young children, a significant part of the eye test involves objective examination. This might include shining a bright light into your child’s eyes, taking eye scans, and occasionally using dilating eye drops. These procedures are minimally invasive. We may also ask your child to point to and match objects to assess their visual acuity and how well their eyes are working together.
What Age Should I Bring My Child In For Their First Eye Test If There Is No Concerns?
If your child has no obvious vision or eye concerns and no family history of serious eye conditions, we recommend scheduling their first eye test around the age of 2-3 years old. Conditions like hyperopia and myopia may not present clear symptoms in young children but can significantly affect their visual development. At 2-3 years old, most children are mature enough to cooperate and provide us with useful information during the examination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, optometrists experienced in children’s eye care can effectively assess children’s vision at a very young age. We are capable of managing both congenital and acute eye conditions, ensuring they are treated promptly and appropriately. Even if your child has no obvious vision concerns, it’s important to schedule their first eye test early to rule out any underlying eye conditions.