However, some signs may indicate the need for an earlier eye exam. You should book an eye test for your child sooner if you notice:

• One eye turning in or out
• Poor hand-eye coordination
• A family history of strong glasses prescriptions or eye conditions
• Frequent eye rubbing or squinting
• Headaches or complaints of tired eyes
• Holding books very close or sitting too close to the TV
• Delays in general development

Should I get my child’s eyes checked if they don't show signs of a vision problem?

Yes! A pre-school eye test is recommended for all children, even if there are no obvious signs of a problem. Many vision issues don’t present noticeable symptoms until a child starts school and faces increased visual demands. A routine eye exam helps detect any hidden problems before they start affecting their learning and development. Additionally, if there is a family history of significant eye conditions—such as high prescriptions, lazy eye (amblyopia), or eye turns (strabismus)—early screening is especially important.

Having a baseline record of your child’s vision can also be helpful for future comparisons if any concerns arise later on.

How Does an Optometrist Check My Child’s Vision If They Don’t Know Letters or Numbers Yet?

For young children who are not yet familiar with letters or numbers, optometrists use specialized tests, including:

• Symbol charts – Instead of letters, children are shown shapes like circles, houses, and apples.
• Matching games – If a child is shy or unsure, they can point to a matching card rather than saying the answer aloud.
• Objective testing – Many tests don’t require verbal responses. For example, a retinoscope allows our optometrists to assess a child’s prescription by analysing how light reflects from their eyes.
• Observing eye behaviour – For toddlers under 3, our focus is on how their eyes move, work together, and respond to visual stimuli rather than reading from a chart.

These methods ensure a thorough eye assessment, even for the youngest patients.

What If My Child Pretends to Have Vision Problems Because They Want Glasses?

It’s common for children to want glasses if they see friends or family members wearing them. Some may even try to "fail" the eye test to get a pair! However, our optometrists use objective testing methods to determine whether glasses are truly needed. Since many results are based on direct observations rather than just a child’s responses, parents can feel reassured that glasses will only be recommended if there is a genuine need.



Research shows that 1 in 5 children have an undetected vision problem — issues that can impact their learning, confidence, and development. Many of these problems go unnoticed because children often assume their vision is normal.

At our Range Shopping Centre practice, our Behavioural Optometrists John Merrin and Kate Merrin specialize in children’s vision and provide gentle, thorough eye exams tailored to all ages. Whether your child is starting school or you're concerned about their vision, we are here to help.

Book your child’s eye test today and give them the best possible start to their school journey. Early detection makes all the difference!