Can 3yr olds have eyes tested?

Benson

I think I need to get my ds eyes tested as he seems to be blinking overly/obviously and what looks like squinting. But obviously at 3 he can't read the opticians eye charts so do they have special tests for children or do I need to take him anywhere special instead of high street opticians?

Mojisola

The optician should have a chart with pictures on so that younger children can be tested.

Counting_Pennies_2

I would suggest speaking with your health visitor and asking for a referral appointment to the hospital.

They should have a special eye department.

My son was bitten on the eye by a fly when we travelled around the world. It closed over for a week, and his focus wasn't great immediately after. They referred him to the hospital, they were brilliant, they have special props to help get the attention and even if they can't speak (my son was one) they can still tell, it is amazing

hth

sarah*a

You should be able to just go to a local opticians - but I'd look for one that did it regularly

They do the 'light shining in the back of the eyes' test and get them to look at pictures rather than letters and numbers if they are move comfortable with that

They might also do the 3D / dots test (gosh my terms are technical :rotfl:) to check for astigmatisms.

HTH

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Can't guarantee a tot will cooperate, but it can be done. DD was tested at that age by my optician.

Chocolate_dreamer

I had my 3 years olds eye sight tested at Specsavers. The test was more or less the same as the test used for my 5 year old child. The only difference being that the 5 year old was requested to read letters of various sizes, whereas the 3 year old had to recognise symbols of various sizes such as a house, fish, car, train etc) instead of letters. From this test glasses were prescribed and a referral to hospital for more check-ups and testing given. The optician may be a good starting place if you suspect a problem and they can then refer you on to hospital if needed.

kingfisherblue

Your GP can refer you to the eye clinic if needed, or Specsavers are very good with children and will tell you if they think the eye clinic should be involved. My youngest wore glasses from the age of three, but didn't need them after four years. He's just had an eye test (now age 11) and apart from colour blindness (!) his eyes are as close to perfect as they could possibly be.

andrealm

Any optician should be able to test his eyes. If he has a squint they will probably refer him to the opthalmist at the hospital.

Griizelda

My daughter was three when she had her first eye test. She just identified pictures (she was very shy at the time and didn't say much!) and the optician looked into the back of her eyes. She was referred to the eye clinic at the local hospital where she had more thorough tests including having drops put into her eyes (they sting a bit) to dilate the pupils. She's very long sighted in both eyes and will need glasses throughout her life. Hadn't realised she had a problem - only took her because of her brother:-

My son was five when he had his first eye test - we took him because he was blinking and screwing up one eye. He was referred to the eye clinic as he had amblyopia. This was corrected with patching and worked very well.

The sooner you can take your son to an optician's the better - just make sure it's someone who is used to dealing with children on a regular basis. Mine go to an independent optician (they've been signed off from the hospital), so I've no experience of the high street chains in this respect.

Bloomin_Freezing2

Absolutely, my youngest dd was 1yr old at her 1st test, she is short sighted and will need glasses but not just yet. My oldest dd was 3 when she had her 1st test where they diagnosed a few problems. They shine lights in their eyes, make them wear sunglasses (sort of), and make them follow objects. Not the same tests we have.

elf06

If your child is at nursery then they should perform a routine eye test there the year before they start school. This happened with DS when he was 3 (due to go to school within the year because of where his birthday falls) and asked me to then take him to the local optician as he struggled with the smaller pictures. I honestly didnt think there was a problem with his eyesight but took him anyway. They did more thorough testing there, with the drops someone above mentioned, and it was decided he needed glasses (on his 4th birthday - ooooooops). They gave him a reduced prescription to start with (something to do with still making his eyes work and adjust before giving the full prescription) and most people are surprised at just how strong they are!! He has been superb with them which I am greatful for as I had no idea how I was going to get him to keep them on haha. We have since had an appointment at the hospital to see their senior orthoptist (who was the same lady that saw him in the nursery) and will continue to see her in 4 monthly intervals. I am so glad he had it done at nursery as I would never have known and now he will start school this year with his eyes working to their full potential.