In 2025 only 5% of children under five received an eye test. Even though eye tests for children under 16 are free.

90% of vision loss can be prevented or treated if you include eye conditions with refractive errors. The earlier an eye condition is detected the easier it is to treat, or prevent.

In the UK newborns receive an eye test as part of the newborn physical examination. Children eyes are tested again in their first year of school, between ages four and five. However, the College of Optometrists recommends that children are tested before they start school. Early diagnosis of common eye conditions is particularly important for children because it may impact their education, but also it can affect how they play and explore the world around them.

If these conditions aren’t promptly addressed, it can affect the development of their eyesight, and other conditions such as amblyopia (lazy eye) which is a very treatable condition when diagnosed early. These are common eye conditions which are often picked up in an eye test, they are collectively known as refractive errors.

• Myopia – shortsightedness

• Hyperopia – longsightedness

• Amblyopia – lazy eye

• Astigmatism

Read our a-z of eye conditions to understand more about the causes of these conditions, how they are diagnosed and how they can be treated.

Research that Fight for Sight has funded

A genetic test for myopia: A research team at Cardiff University has developed a genetic test that will identify an increased risk of myopia.

Research on shortsightedness in children: Dr. Horwood’s team at the University of Reading found that 4 in 10 children with normal eyesight focus at the wrong distance for seeing close work clearly.

What happens during a test:

Child-friendly methods: Children do not need to read or speak; optometrists use pictures, shapes, or matching games instead of letters for pre-verbal or young children.

Movement and coordination: Lights and moving objects check eye muscle range and how well both eyes work together.

Refraction test: Special lenses and lights (retinoscopy) determine if glasses are needed.

Eye drops: May be used to relax eye muscles and widen pupils for an accurate health check (although this isn’t routinely used, unless necessary).

Good vision plays a vital role in how children learn, play and socialise. Having an eye test before starting school can help identify potential sight problems early, giving them the best possible start to their learning journey. Book your children in for a free eye test today.