Eye health
Key messages
Eyes can be tested from birth onwards, vision plays an important role in your child's development and education.
- Babies are able to focus after a few months
- Babies eyes at 6 months + should be fully developed (they can judge depth and see 3D shapes)
Your child is entitled to a free eye test and free glasses - book an appointment with your local optician
Early detection and treatment interventions are necessary to avoid preventable sight loss.
Children at most at risk of vision impairment are:
- premature and low birth weight babies
- genetic eye conditions
- maternal infections (e.g. measles and rubella)
- maternal alcohol and drug exposure
- maternal smoking
- children with learning disabilities
At age 4 - 5 years, vision screening should happen at school. If this hasn't happened by the end of your child's first year at school, and you have concerns about their eyes, take them to your optician.
Services for support
- Your local opticians The College of Optometrists: Find an optometrist (opens new window)
- The College of Optometrists: How to look after your eyes (opens new window) website
- The College of Optometrists: Children’s eye health (opens new window)
- NHS: Eye tests for children (opens new window)
Tools and guidance
- See The College of Optometrists: A short guide to your child's eyes (opens new window) infographic
- For common childhood eye conditions see The College of Optometrists: Common childhood eye conditions (opens new window)
- If your child needs to wear glasses see The College of Optometrists: How to encourage babies and children to wear glasses (opens new window)