Paediatric Eye Tests

At The Optik Studio, we are passionate about protecting and enhancing children’s vision. Our resident Optometrist, Zainab Rawat, specializes in Pediatric and Behavioral Optometry. In this guide, she addresses common questions parents have about their child’s eye health.

Why are eye tests so important for kids?

A child’s visual system isn’t fully developed at birth; it matures as they grow. Any interruptions in eye structure or function during this period can affect long-term visual development. Good vision is essential for physical, social, and psychological growth, so detecting and treating vision problems early can prevent long-term issues and support healthy development

How old should my child be for their first eye test?

The first screening should be done at birth and again at the age of 6 months and 1 year of age, especially for premature babies.

Thereafter a child should be examined at the age of 3 and again when starting school.

These age-specific tests help detect common vision issues that arise at different developmental stages

How will you test my child’s eyes if they can’t read?

We use specialized tools and techniques to assess vision without requiring reading. A key part of this assessment is a dilated eye exam, which involves eye drops to widen the pupils. This allows a thorough examination of the eyes. Your child may feel a brief sting, similar to pool water, and experience a few hours of blurred vision and light sensitivity afterward. We recommend keeping kids indoors after their exam or ensuring they wear quality sunglasses if exposed to the sun

What is Behavioral Optometry

Behavioral optometry examines how vision affects behavior and everyday function. Many think it’s unrelated to eyesight, but it’s closely linked to learning, focus, and overall development. At The Optik Studio, we diagnose and treat vision-related behavioral issues. If advanced treatment isn’t necessary, we provide in-house care with regular follow-up appointments to track progress. However, if a child needs specialized behavioral therapy, we refer them to trusted practitioners, ensuring complete support for their visual and behavioral development.

If you specialise in Paediatrics, why might referral be necessaey?

Optometrists and Ophthalmologists collaborate to provide comprehensive care. Our pediatric optometry exams, including dilated exams, often eliminate the need for an initial Ophthalmologist visit. We prescribe custom eyewear right here at The Optik Studio. Referrals to a specialist may be necessary if we suspect a systemic condition or if an eye disease requires more advanced treatment than glasses alone. In such cases, a Pediatric Ophthalmologist may step in to assist.

Does my child notice their own visual disorder?Most children with vision issues don’t realize they see differently, as they lack a point of comparison. Often, it’s parents, teachers, or caregivers who first notice symptoms. Here are some common signs to watch for:

Signs in babies under 6 months:

• Not looking directly at you
• No response to light
• Eye-rubbing or excessive tearing
• Eyes appearing to turn inwards or outwards
• Drooping eyelids or swollen/red eyes

Signs in older children:

• Head tilting, sitting too close to the TV, or difficulty catching a ball
• Changing eye direction (one eye turning in or out intermittently)
• Suspected learning disabilities or developmental delays
• Difficulty copying from the board or identifying colours

If your child has other medical conditions, such as diabetes, juvenile arthritis, cerebral palsy, or developmental disorders (e.g., ADHD or autism), regular eye exams are even more important.

What if my child is faking poor eyesight?

We are skilled at detecting any visual problems without a child’s verbal involvement or cooperation. This prevents unnecessary glasses for children who may pretend to have vision issues.

What is Myopia and why is it important to manage?

Myopia, or nearsightedness/shortsightedness, is increasingly common in children and is considered one of the fastest-growing vision conditions worldwide. Myopia is an eye condition which means that distant objects appear blurry, while close objects can be seen clearly.

Left untreated, myopia can progress rapidly, leading to higher prescriptions and potential eye health risks later in life. At The Optik Studio, we offer treatments to help slow down myopia progression, including innovative options like MiyoSmart and MiSight lenses, designed specifically for children. Managing myopia early can protect your child’s vision in the long term.

Are Sunglasses important for Kids?

Absolutely!

Children’s eyes are highly vulnerable to UV damage as they haven’t fully developed the ability to filter out harmful rays. Wearing sunglasses from a young age helps prevent long-term UV-related eye issues. However, it’s crucial to choose quality sunglasses with full UV protection from a reputable source, as some mass-produced sunglasses can actually do more harm than good

What is the difference between an eye screening and an eye test?

An eye screening is a non-invasive and relatively quick checkup to identify any primary eye issues. If any concerns are detected, a comprehensive eye test is then recommended to diagnose and treat conditions more accurately. After an initial screening referral, a full eye exam is essenteial to ensure effective treatment

When can I book an eye test?

We work with your schedule to make appointments convenient for you and your child. Call us to book an eye exam for your child – and while you’re at it, consider scheduling a test for yourself!

Please note, eye tests may take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the assessments needed, so plan accordingly.