When Should Parents Take Their Kids to the Optometrist?
A child can have an eye examination at any age. If any concerns arise, then we recommend an eye test as soon as possible. If there are no concerns, then we still recommend that a child is examined around four years of age to ensure that they are “school ready” and that there are no conditions present that may delay their visual development or affect them in later life.
Here, we’ll cover why paediatric optometry is vital for your child’s development and well-being.
Recommended Age for a Child's First Optometrist Visit
Initial Eye Exam: Before or by 4 Years of Age
By about 6 months, most babies can focus, perceive depth, and see colour. If as a parent you have concerns about your child’s vision, then the earlier we see your child the better. We can assess your child’s vision and detect and treat issues irrespective of the age of your child..
At For Eyes, we commonly treat babies for vision issues, including:
Refractive errors (long-sightedness, astigmatism, short-sightedness)
Amblyopia (lazy eye)
Strabismus (squint)
Congenital eye anomolies
Other developmental or neurological conditions
Even in the absence of any vision concerns, we recommend that your child undergo an eye examination prior to starting school to help ensure their vision supports optimal learning and development.
Ongoing: Every 6 to 18 months
Following your child’s eye examination at For Eyes Optometrist, we will provide a recommended schedule for future eye exams—whether annually or at an alternative interval—based on their individual needs.
Why Vision Is Vital for Development in Babies
Vision is vital to a baby’s development, affecting social, physical, cognitive, and emotional milestones.
Good vision is important for a young child’s:
Cognitive development
Hand-eye coordination
Motor skill development, such as grasping, crawling, walking, and reaching
Depth perception and spatial awareness
Exploring their surroundings to learn about the world around them
Recognising familiar objects, faces, and patterns
Social interactions and development
Why Vision Is Crucial for Learning in School-Aged Children
Eye exams are particularly important for school-aged children. Imagine a child who struggles to read letters on the whiteboard. The child can quickly grow frustrated and struggle to learn. This frustration can progress into acting out and behaviour difficulties.
Learning requires a complex combination of abilities, including visual skills. Here’s a more detailed look at why vision is vital to learning:
Approximately 80% of learning relies on visual input
Clear vision at various distances can help children acquire information, write, see, use computers, and read
Undetected vision issues can impact learning, academic performance, social engagement, and reading abilities
Visual perception helps the brain interpret visual information, such as patterns and shapes
Identifying and addressing vision issues early can help your child feel more confident about learning, athletic performance, and classroom engagement
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Signs to Visit an Optometrist for an Eye Check Up
Along with the recommended schedule, your child should also see an optometrist if you notice these symptoms:
Problems seeing the TV or the whiteboard in school
Holding objects too close to the face
Eye rubbing or excessive blinking
Poor attention span or memory
Avoidance of close work
Closing or covering one eye, or tilting the head when reading
Learning difficulties
Irritability after looking at things
Poor eye tracking
Unusual eye movements
An eye that seems to turn in or out, particularly when they are tired
Complaining of double vision
Complaining of sore, watery, or burning eyes or headaches
Complaining of light sensitivity
Clumsy or lack of coordination
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Why Early Detection Matters
Healthy vision is crucial to a child’s overall development. Regular eye exams can ensure your child’s vision is developing appropriately and that they have the visual skills needed to perform in school.
Recognising and addressing vision issues early on is vital in supporting proper development. A child who is struggling with vision issues may experience difficulty reading or learning, potentially causing behavioural or developmental issues.
For Eyes Optometrist is proud to offer Perth paediatric optometry. We can accurately test, treat, and assess vision conditions in babies. Our baby and children’s eye examinations assess how well the eyes see and how the brain responds to visual information. This approach ensures we can identify vision issues early to ensure the best outcome.
We also have a wide range of frames that are suitable for children and babies, including frames with adjustable temples and nose bridges.
If you have concerns about your infant's or child’s vision or they are due for an eye exam, contact our Fremantle optometrist clinic on (08) 9335 3433, email us at reception@foreyes.com.au, or book online through our website, foreyes.com.au.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should children first visit the optometrist?
A child can be examined at any age. If any concerns arise, then we recommend an eye examination as soon as possible. If there are no concerns, then we still recommend that a child is examined around four years of age to ensure that they are “school ready” and that there are no concerns with their vision.
Why is early eye care starting at 6 months important for my child?
Undetected vision issues can potentially hinder a child’s ability to develop and learn properly. The earlier a vision issue is detected, the sooner we can start appropriate treatment. This ensures your child’s vision issue is treated quickly to support proper development and a better quality of life.
How common are vision problems in children?
Eye disorders are one of the most common long-term health issues experienced by children in Australia. Myopia (nearsightedness), in particular, is an increasingly common issue in Australian children.
Over 400,000 Australian children have long-term eye disorders, such as long or short-sightedness. (Source: Eye health among Australian children, Summary - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare)
Does my child need to be able to read to have an eye exam?
No, children do not need to speak or read to have an eye exam. We have a wide range of techniques and gentle yet effective ways to evaluate eye health and performance in all ages.
For instance, we can evaluate a baby’s blinking or pupil response to light or their ability to follow an object and the health of the back of the eyes.
