Back to School Eye Tests: What Parents Need to Know

The August checklist is taking shape: uniform, shoes, stationery, lunchbox and everything else needed for September. One important item can easily be overlooked — a back to school eye test. Children do not always realise their vision is unclear because they may assume everyone sees as they do. A routine check can identify problems that could affect reading, learning, concentration and confidence, helping your child begin the new term ready to learn. 

What Happens During a Children’s Eye Test?

Booking during the summer gives your family time to identify vision concerns before lessons begin. If your child needs glasses or further support, it can be arranged without adding pressure during the busy first weeks of term. 

Every appointment is adapted to the child’s age and abilities. Younger children can be assessed using pictures, symbols, lights and other age-appropriate methods, so they do not need to be able to read or even speak. 

Our optometrists will assess how clearly your child sees, how their eyes focus and work together, whether glasses may be required and other aspects of their eye health. We explain each stage simply, helping children feel relaxed and involved. 

Does My Child Need Glasses? What Signs Should I Look For?

Children may adapt to blurred or uncomfortable vision rather than telling you something is wrong. Look out for: 

• Regular headaches or eye strain, particularly after reading or screen use. 

• Squinting to see the television, classroom board or distant objects — one of the common myopia symptoms. 

• Frequently rubbing their eyes. 

• Losing their place, skipping lines or holding books unusually close. 

• Avoiding close-up tasks or struggling to concentrate on them. 

• Covering one eye, tilting their head, or having difficulty with hand-eye coordination. 

These signs do not automatically mean your child needs glasses, but they are good reasons to arrange an eye test.  

What Are The Most Common Vision Problems in Children?

• Short sightedness in children, or myopia, is a condition where distant objects look blurred while close objects are clear. 

• What causes long sightedness? It commonly occurs when the eye is shorter than usual or does not bend light strongly enough, causing light to focus behind the retina. This can make close-up tasks more difficult. 

• Astigmatism in children occurs when the front of the eye is curved unevenly — often described as being more like a rugby ball than a football. This causes light to focus unevenly on the retina, resulting in blurred or distorted vision. 

• A lazy eye means vision in one eye has not developed as well as the other. Eye coordination problems can make it difficult for both eyes to work together, while a squint means the eyes point in different directions. 

How Often Should Children Have Their Eyes Tested?

The Association of Optometrists recommends a first sight test at around age three, followed by another every two years, or as often as your optometrist advises. 

The school vision screening at around four or five can be useful, but it is not the same as a full sight test and is not available in every area. Think of regular eye appointments like dental check-ups: routine preventative care, not something to arrange only when a problem becomes obvious. 

We provide personalised, unhurried care and take time to help every child feel comfortable. As a local independent practice, we can get to know your family and provide consistent support as your child grows. Visit us in Finchley, Potters Bar or Temple Fortune. 

Is a Back to School Eye Test Still Missing from Your Checklist?

Clear vision can play an important part in reading, learning and everyday school life, yet children may not realise when they are struggling to see. Before the uniform is labelled and the school bag is packed, book your child’s eye exam with Optikal Opticians and help them start the new term with confidence.