Up to 1 in 4 children have an undetected vision problem that can affect their learning, behaviour, and development.
At Westmead Eyes, we provide comprehensive children’s eye examinations and specialised visual assessments to ensure your child’s vision supports their learning and everyday activities.
We see children of all ages, including infants and toddlers, using age-appropriate assessment techniques.
Why Children’s Vision Is Important
Around 80% of what children learn is visual. Many children with vision problems do not complain, as they assume their vision is normal.
Proper visual development is essential for learning, attention, coordination, and overall development.
Our approach goes beyond checking eyesight. We assess how your child’s eyes work together, focus, track, and process visual information.
Here are a list of steps to help your child’s eyes and vision develop properly.
At an eye examination your child will have the following things tested:
- A thorough eye health examination of the front and back of their eyes.
- Distance vision
- Reading vision
- Binocular vision or how both eyes work together
- Eye movements
- Focusing ability
Paediatric Eye Examinations – Eye Tests for Children
What appointment does my child need?
Children’s Eye Test (General)
5 years and over
Most Common for School-Age Children
Children’s Visual Assessment
(Reading, Focus & Eye Coordination)
Children’s Advanced Behavioural Assessment
A comprehensive assessment of your child’s vision, eye health, and visual development.
A detailed assessment of how your child’s eyes work together for reading, focus, and learning.
An advanced assessment for children with complex learning or developmental concerns.
Best for:
– General vision check
– Glasses update
– If you’re unsure what to book
Best for:
– Reading difficulties
– Losing place when reading
– Poor concentration
– Headaches or eyestrain
– Suspected binocular vision issues
Best for:
– Complex learning difficulties
– Developmental concerns
– Attention or behavioural issues
– Suspected retained reflexes
Consultation fee: $175
Consultation fee: $195
Consultation fee: $375
Eye Tests for Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers
Specialised assessments for children aged 0–4 years
Many optometrists do not routinely examine babies and toddlers. At Westmead Eyes, our optometrists have undertaken additional training to assess young children using age-appropriate, play-based techniques.
Your child does not need to read, speak or identify pictures. We assess visual development, eye alignment, focusing, tracking and how the eyes work together.
Suitable for:
– Your child’s first eye examination
– A suspected eye turn
– Premature birth or developmental concerns
– Concerns about tracking, focusing or visual behaviour
– A family history of childhood eye or vision problems
Consultation fee: $150
When should my child have their eyes tested?
Early eye examinations are essential for detecting vision problems before they impact your child’s development and learning. You don’t need to wait until they start school (and they don’t need to know the alphabet) to have their eyes tested.
We recommend the following eye examination schedule for children:
✅ 6 months: At this stage, babies should be developing focus, colour vision, and depth perception. An early eye test helps identify any visual delays or concerns.
✅ 3 years: This check-up detects common vision issues like strabismus (eye turn) and amblyopia (lazy eye), which are best treated early.
✅ Yearly from school age: As children progress from learning to read to reading to learn, regular eye exams ensure their vision supports their education.
Some children may need more frequent eye tests, especially those with:
- Developmental delays
- Eye teaming or coordination issues
- Progressive myopia (short-sightedness), which requires ongoing monitoring and management
Some children are more at risk of eye problems than others.
If you child experiences or has the following then it is important to bring them in for an eye test:
- Blinking or eye rubbing
- Not keeping eye contact
- Not being able to follow moving objects
- Headaches or avoidance of close work
- Not being able to keep their eyes still when told to
- Losing place when reading
- Reversing letters or numbers
- Born premature
- Delayed motor or sensory development
- A diagnosis of autism or ADHD
- School performance not up to potential
- A lazy eye, crossed or turned eye
It is important to know of any family history of eye problems, such as wearing glasses, amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (turned eye) or eye disease.
Book Your Child’s Assessment
If you’re unsure which appointment is right, our team will guide you. Most parents book a Children’s Visual Assessment (Reading, Focus & Eye Coordination) and we will recommend a more detailed assessment if needed.
Book your child’s appointment online or contact our team for guidance.