You do not have to wait for your child to say they cannot see clearly. A children’s eye test checks vision in each eye, whether glasses may help, how the eyes work together and overall eye health. The tests are adapted to your child’s age and development. 1
At Vision Camberwell Optometrists, we make room for questions, explanations and a little patience. Whether you are preparing for school or following up a teacher’s concern, our aim is to help you understand what your child needs next.
Some vision problems are easy to miss at home. Amblyopia, often called a lazy eye, can affect one eye while the other sees well, so a child may not realise anything is different. Finding it early gives us the opportunity to arrange appropriate treatment. 2
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When should I book my child’s eye test?
Book if you or a teacher notice a change, if a health professional recommends an assessment, or if your child does not pass a vision screening. A child who cannot complete a screening may also need further assessment. 3
Before starting school is a useful opportunity to review whether your child’s vision has been checked. Do not wait until school age if there is already a concern. Tell us about prematurity, developmental needs or a family history of childhood eye conditions, as these can affect the assessment your child needs. 1 2
Signs worth getting checked
Arrange an appointment if your child regularly:
- Squints, closes one eye or tilts their head to look at something.
- Holds books unusually close or struggles to see the classroom board.
- Reports blurred vision or headaches during reading.
- Has an eye that appears to turn in or out. 1 2
These signs do not establish a diagnosis. Tell us when they started, how often they occur and whether one or both eyes seem affected.
Symptoms that need urgent attention
Seek urgent eye care for sudden loss of vision, severe eye pain, marked light sensitivity or a significant eye injury. These should not wait for a routine children’s appointment. 4
A white or unusual glowing pupil, including in a photograph, also needs urgent assessment. The Royal Children’s Hospital recommends immediate referral for a white pupil or an abnormal red reflex. 5
If you cannot obtain prompt assessment, attend an emergency department.
What do we check?
The examination looks beyond reading a chart. We choose tests that suit your child and investigate any concerns raised in the history.
Vision and the need for glasses
We assess each eye separately and check for short-sightedness, long sightedness and astigmatism. Picture or matching tests can be used before a child knows their letters. 1
Eye coordination and focusing
We assess eye alignment, movement and how the eyes work together, with focusing, depth perception and colour vision tests where appropriate. Persistent eye strain or double vision may need a binocular vision assessment. This helps us investigate more than distance blur. 1
Eye health and visual development
We examine the eyes for health concerns and look for differences in vision between them. Amblyopia and an eye turn are related but different: amblyopia concerns developing vision, while strabismus means the eyes are misaligned. Either may require further assessment or treatment. 2
What happens during the appointment?
We start by listening to you and your child. Bring up anything you have noticed, even if it seems minor, along with previous eye care, relevant health history and family eye conditions.
The examination may involve pictures, lights, lenses and simple matching tasks. Your child does not need to give a “perfect” performance. Let us know if a break, a different explanation or extra reassurance would help.
At the end, we explain what we could assess reliably, what the results mean and the next step. That may be no treatment, glasses, further testing, monitoring or referral to an ophthalmologist. If something needs another appointment to clarify, we will explain why.
Will eye drops be needed?
Sometimes drops are needed to relax the eye’s focusing response so we can measure the prescription accurately. Drops can also enlarge the pupil to help examine the inside of the eye. Their use depends on what needs to be assessed, rather than simply whether a child reports blurry vision. 6
We explain the reason and what to expect before using them. They may sting briefly and cause temporary near blur and light sensitivity. The duration varies with the drops and the child; bring sunglasses and ask us about returning to school or close work afterwards. 6
How is this different from myopia management?
A general children’s eye test assesses overall vision and eye health, including in children who are not short sighted.
If we identify myopia or a higher risk of developing it, we can discuss a separate myopia management plan. This considers prescription changes, family history, visual habits and, where appropriate, axial length, the eye’s length from front to back. The International Myopia Institute’s clinical guidance supports this broader assessment and ongoing monitoring. 7
The aim of myopia control is to slow progression, alongside correcting blurred vision. Read about myopia management for more detail about the options and review process, including myopia-control glasses and myopia-control contact lenses. Our parent’s guide to childhood myopia is also a useful introduction. 7
Preparing for your child’s eye test
Keep the explanation simple: “We are going to find out how your eyes see. You might look at pictures and lights.” There is nothing to study and no result your child needs to achieve.
Before the visit:
- Bring current glasses, previous prescriptions and any screening or specialist reports.
- Note medicines, allergies and previous reactions to eye drops.
- Bring examples of concerns raised at home or school.
- Tell us beforehand about sensory sensitivities, communication needs or anything that makes appointments difficult.
- For younger children, choose a time when they are usually alert and comfortable if possible.
When booking, ask how much time to allow and about consultation fees. If extra testing is proposed, we will explain it before proceeding.
Children’s eye care in Melbourne’s inner east
Vision Camberwell Optometrists is at 784 Burke Road, Camberwell, serving families from Hawthorn, Balwyn, Kew and Canterbury, as well as the wider Melbourne area. Consultations with Jue Wang are available in English and Mandarin. Explore our full range of eye care services.
Book your child’s eye test or call 03 9882 5666. If you are unsure which appointment to choose, tell us your child’s age and what prompted the enquiry so we can guide you.
Questions parents often ask
My child seems to see well. Is there still a reason to check?
Yes. A child can compensate for reduced vision in one eye without an obvious complaint. Amblyopia is sometimes first identified during an examination. A lack of symptoms should not override a failed screening or a concern about how vision is developing. 2
Is a school or preschool screening enough?
Screening is valuable for identifying children who may need further assessment, but it is not the same as a comprehensive eye examination. A pass does not rule out every eye condition. If symptoms continue or a new concern arises, arrange an assessment and bring the screening result. 3
What if my child cannot sit still or read letters?
We adapt the approach to your child. Matching pictures and observing visual responses can provide useful information without reading letters. 1 If we cannot obtain a reliable result, we will discuss another visit or an appropriate referral.
How often should children have their eyes tested?
We recommend a review interval based on the findings, age and risk factors. There is no single schedule in this page for every child. 1 Children receiving treatment or monitored for myopia may need more frequent visits. Come back sooner if something changes.
References
- Optometry Australia. Paediatric Eye Health and Vision Care Guidelines. 2016. Accessed 10 September 2026.
- National Eye Institute. Amblyopia (Lazy Eye). National Institutes of Health. Accessed 10 September 2026.
- Hutchinson AK, et al. Pediatric Eye Evaluations Preferred Practice Pattern. Ophthalmology. 2023;130(3):P222–P270. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2022.10.030.
- The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. Clinical Practice Guidelines: Acute red eye. Accessed 10 September 2026.
- The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. Primary Care Liaison: Abnormal red reflex and or white pupil. Accessed 10 September 2026.
- American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Dilating Eye Drops. Accessed 10 September 2026.
- Gifford KL, Richdale K, Kang P, et al. IMI – Clinical Management Guidelines Report. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 2019;60(3):M184–M203. doi:10.1167/iovs.18-25977.
Reviewed by Dr Shonit Jagmohan, B.Optom (Hons), FIAOMC, IACMM, Ophthalmic Medicines Prescriber, Fellowship Chair for the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (Oceania). Last reviewed October 2026.
Visit us in Camberwell
T. (03) 9882 5666
E. vision@visioncamberwell.com.au
Find Us at:
784 Burke Rd, Camberwell
Victoria 3124, Australia
Opening Hours:
Monday, Tuesday and Friday. 9am – 6pm
Wednesday. 9am – 5pm
Thursday. 10.30am – 7.30pm
Saturday. CLOSED
Book your appointment with one of our friendly team members today
T: (03) 9882 5666
Serving Camberwell and the Surrounding South Eastern Suburbs
An independent practice in Camberwell since 1951, we are experts in children’s eye tests and paediatric eye care. We welcome patients from Hawthorn, Deepdene, Surrey Hills, Balwyn, Kew, Canterbury, Box Hill, Glen Iris, and across greater Melbourne.
