Your child’s first eye test is a big step, not just for their vision, but for their overall development, learning, and confidence. Vision problems in young kids often go unnoticed, and untreated issues can affect reading, coordination, behaviour, and even self-esteem.
Regular visits to an eye specialist help ensure your child’s eyes are functioning properly and give you peace of mind that nothing is slipping under the radar.
But if you’re like most parents, you might be wondering:
What exactly happens at a child’s eye test? Will my child be nervous? How do I prepare them for it?
This guide covers everything you need to know about preparing your child for an eye test – from practical prep and reducing anxiety to making the whole experience enjoyable for your child.
Why are eye tests important even if they don’t complain about their vision?
Children don’t always know when their vision is off. They may think blurry vision or double images are normal because it’s all they’ve ever known. Undetected issues can lead to headaches, frustration with reading, trouble paying attention in school, or difficulty with sports.
Common conditions caught early with eye tests:
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Farsightedness (hyperopia)
- Astigmatism
- Lazy eye (amblyopia)
- Eye muscle issues (strabismus)
- Colour vision deficiencies
Early detection means easier treatment and better outcomes.
Tips for preparing your child for their first eye test
Tip 1: Start by explaining what an eye test is and why it matters
Before anything else, talk to your child about what an eye test is and why they’re going. Use simple, friendly language. Avoid medical terms that sound intimidating.
Try this:
“We’re going to visit a special doctor who checks how well your eyes can see. You’ll look at some pictures, follow some lights, and maybe try on some special glasses. It’s easy and doesn’t hurt at all.”
Keep the tone upbeat. Present the test as something cool and important, not something to be scared of. Kids often mirror their parents’ attitudes, so if you’re calm and confident, they’ll be more likely to feel that way too.
Tip 2: Know when to schedule a child’s eye test
How often should you have an eye test?
- First eye check: Around age 4 (or earlier if concerns arise)
- School-age kids: Every 1–2 years, unless your child wears glasses or has a known issue
If your child was born prematurely, has developmental delays, or has a family history of eye conditions, your paediatrician or eye specialist may recommend earlier and more frequent exams.
Some signs your child may need an eye test sooner:
- Squinting often
- Sitting too close to screens or books
- Tilting their head to see
- Frequent eye rubbing
- Trouble following objects or instructions
- Sensitivity to light
- Complaints of blurry vision or headaches
Tip 3: Use play to prepare your child and reduce fear
Children thrive on familiarity and routine. The more they understand what’s coming, the more comfortable they’ll be. One of the best ways to prepare them is to turn the eye test into a game at home.
Ideas for playful preparation:
- Make a pretend eye clinic: Let your child be the “doctor” and use a flashlight, picture cards, and toy glasses on you or their stuffed animals.
- Draw a simple eye chart: Use big and small letters or shapes and practice “reading” them from across the room.
- Cover-one-eye game: Take turns covering one eye and looking at different objects.
- Watch a video about a child going to the eye doctor: Many kid-friendly options are available online.
This type of role play helps your child feel in control and makes the real thing feel less foreign.
Tip 4: Choose the right time and setting for your child’s appointment
When you schedule the test, be strategic. Aim for a time when your child is:
- Well-rested (avoid nap time or late afternoons)
- Fed (a hungry child = a cranky child)
- Not overloaded (don’t stack it between soccer and a dentist appointment)
Let the clinic know in advance that this is your child’s first eye test. Our eye specialists are great with kids and the optometrists have children as well in our family practice and will take extra time to explain things and make it fun, but it helps to set expectations.
Ask if you can bring a toy or comfort item. Many clinics are fine with children bringing a favourite stuffed animal, fidget toy, or blanket, anything that helps them stay calm.
Tip 5: Prepare for what will happen during the exam
How long does an eye test take?
Plan for about 20–30 minutes for the eye test itself, depending on your child’s age and how cooperative they are. We recommend arriving around 10 minutes before your appointment to get settled. Children under the age of 6/7 for a first eye examination may need eye drops. The eye drops will settle the internal eye muscles, this will give better and more accurate prescriptions with our advanced technology and allow us to more at the back of the eye.
After the test, you’ll want to allow extra time to discuss the results with the optometrist and to choose glasses or other vision correction solutions such as children’s contact lenses – so overall, plan for about 45 minutes to an hour at the clinic.
What might the test include?
- Visual acuity screening (reading letters or identifying shapes)
- Eye alignment checks (following a moving object or light)
- Pupil response testing (using a small light to check reflexes)
- Cover tests to check for lazy eye or muscle issues
- Refraction test to determine if glasses are needed (using lenses)
- Dilation (eye drops that widen the pupils and assess the prescription – we don’t rely on children telling us what is clear or not!. They can sting a for around 10 seconds. They normally take 15-30mins to work.)
Let your child know that the doctor may look into their eyes with a small light or show them pictures and ask questions. Reassure them that nothing will hurt and they can always ask to pause.
Tip 6: Offer praise and make it a positive experience
Once the appointment is done, celebrate your child’s effort, regardless of how it went. Getting through something new is always worth recognising.
Ways to reinforce a positive experience:
- Give specific praise: “You were really brave when the optometrist used the light!”
- Let them choose a small treat, extra story time, or a fun activity afterward.
- Talk about how proud you are and how helpful it is to take care of their eyes.
If your child needs glasses, involve them in picking out frames. Let them feel ownership and pride in their new accessory, and explain how glasses will help them see better, not change who they are.
Tip 7: Be a role model for healthy eye care
Psychologists say, kids learn by watching their parents. If they see you taking care of your vision, getting regular checkups, wearing your glasses when needed, and speaking positively about eye health, they’ll internalise the idea that eye care is just part of staying healthy.
Tip 8: Make eye tests a normal part of growing up
Preparing your child for their first eye test isn’t about making it perfect, it’s about making it familiar, manageable, and maybe even fun. The earlier you introduce routine vision care, the easier it becomes to normalise it as just another part of taking care of themselves.
By being proactive, honest, and playful, you’ll set the tone not just for one visit, but for a lifetime of strong, healthy vision.
Why choose Safarian & Simon opticians in St Johns Wood
At Safarian & Simon, we combine decades of clinical expertise with a personalised, family-friendly approach. Located in the heart of St John’s Wood, our independent practice is known for its attentive service, advanced eye care technology, and thoughtfully curated range of eyewear. Whether it’s your child’s first eye test or a bespoke lens fitting, we take the time to understand your needs and deliver tailored solutions with care and precision.
Book your child’s eye test appointment today and experience the difference of truly personalised eye care.
