Kids Eyecare & Childrens' Eye Tests | Specsavers New Zealand

Getting regular kids' eye tests at Specsavers can help you stay on top of your kids' eye health. They’re carried out by qualified optometrists who can test vision and check for undetected problems that may be affecting your child.

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Kids' eye health

Your child’s eyes are special. In the early years, vision helps them find out about the world around them, about their home, about you. Later, as they go through school, their eyesight lets them learn and discover – in fact, about 80% of what is taught in schools is presented visually. Being able to see clearly is therefore incredibly important in your child’s overall development. So it’s not surprising that we take your child’s eyesight seriously. Every bit as seriously as you do.

About kids' eye tests

Kids' eye tests are different from those for adults. We use specially designed charts that allow children to recognise shapes or pictures, or even to match letters, rather than the traditional charts that you may be familiar with. This means that we can test children’s eyes even if they are unable to read.

Optometrists are specially trained to test children’s eyes. They know that the test room can feel a little intimidating to a young child, so they will use techniques to make it feel as welcoming as possible.

You will, of course, be able to stay with your child throughout the test so you can see everything that happens.

Even though some of the equipment used in your kids' eye test is different, it doesn’t mean that your kids' eye test is any less accurate than an adult’s. In fact, great care is taken to ensure that it isn’t.

As well as checking the eyes, our optometrists also evaluate the muscles and associated structures to ensure they are healthy too. Book an eye test today.

Why early eye tests are important

Most very young children have their eyesight assessed as part of their routine developmental checks. While these are very important, they aren’t as thorough as a complete eye test by a qualified optometrist. So we recommend that your child have their first eye test by the age of three. Testing before your son or daughter goes into full‑time education means that any problems that they may have are identified early, setting them up for a happy and fulfilling school life. That’s because not being able to see clearly can be confusing in a busy classroom.

Poor eyesight can cause learning and behavioural problems, which might be blamed on other things. This is especially true for young children, who may find it difficult to explain the difficulties they are having with their eyesight. They may not even be aware they have a problem at all. And of course the sooner that vision problems are detected, the better the outcome. Conditions such as squint and amblyopia (lazy eye) can be treated more effectively if they are picked up earlier. And that could make a huge difference to your child.

Signs to look out for

It’s often difficult to tell whether your child has sight problems, which is why regular eye tests are so important. However, there are a number of things to look out for:

Straining their eyes or tilting their head to see better
Frequent eye rubbing
Losing their place while reading, or using a finger to guide their eyes
Sensitivity to light and/or excessive tearing
Falling behind in school
Complaining of headaches or tired eyes
Consistently sitting too close to the TV or holding a book too close
Avoiding activities which require near vision, such as reading or homework, or distance vision, such as participating in sports or other recreational activities
Closing one eye to read, watch TV or see better
Avoiding using a computer or tablet because it "hurts their eyes"
The presence of a "turn" in the eye or a misdirection of the eyes
A "white reflex" in photographs. This is similar in appearance to red‑eye, except it’s white. It is extremely serious – if you notice it, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Myopia in kids

Progressive myopia happens when the condition gets worse rapidly. This affects young children in particular, so it’s important to start myopia management treatment as soon as possible. As well as the symptoms listed above, children with myopia might experience or show signs of the following:

Difficulty seeing in into the distance/ holding objects close to the face
Headaches
Excessive blinking
Fatigue and lack of concentration
Clumsiness
Eye rubbing

If you are concerned about myopia in your child, then the best step is to take them for an eye test. Children can be tested at any age, even if they can’t read or talk yet.

While the optometrist will use the well‑known letter chart with older children, with younger children's eye tests, they can show them pictures or shapes. They can also assess how long‑sighted or short‑sighted your child is simply by shining a light into their eye using a technique called retinoscopy.

In terms of managing your child’s condition, children with myopia can have their vision corrected with normal glasses or contact lenses.

For kids who have short‑sightedness, a practice called ‘myopia management’ might also be an option. This involves using specialist contact lenses or glasses lenses designed to minimise myopia progression specifically in children.

Myopia management spectacles, such as HOYA MiYOSMART are designed to be worn like everyday glasses. These glasses are different to the traditional myopia spectacle correction. These products contain special technology that focuses light in a different way to standard glasses and contact lenses. This may help slow the elongation of the eye and potentially minimise how short‑sighted the child could become.

Contact lenses such as MiSight® 1 day by CooperVision are specially‑designed myopia management daily‑disposable contact lenses for kids.

Please contact your local store for more information.

Which one you choose will very much depend on what your child prefers, and which option your child is going to wear for the recommended wearing schedule. Your optometrist talk you through both options and help you to pick the best one for your child.

More ways to manage your kids' myopia

Here are some things you could do to help reduce the risk of your child’s myopia progressing and getting worse:

Encourage them to spend time outdoors, at least two hour a day
Limit their time using screens
Take breaks from close tasks, such reading a book very close to the face
Help them get a good nights’ sleep

Other common eye conditions

Written with care and checked for accuracy

Dr Joseph Paul

B.Optom PhD

Dr Joseph Paul studied optometry at the University of Melbourne, graduating in 2011. He then completed a PhD in retinal structure and function at the University of Melbourne and a post‑doctoral position in optic nerve bioenergetics at the Centre for Eye Research Australia.

Alongside this work, Dr Joseph has practised in a wide range of public, private and corporate optometry practices across Victoria over the past decade. He is Head of Professional Services at Specsavers Australia and New Zealand.

Find out more

Why do I need an eye test?
Eye tests play a huge part in making sure your eyes stay healthy.
Check your vision
Your store visit explained
At Specsavers we are focused on caring for your eyes and giving you the best possible vision.
What to expect in‑store
More on eye tests
An eye test is not just about getting glasses – it is a vital health check for your eyes.
All about eye tests

Kids' eyecare

Kids' eye health

About kids' eye tests

Why early eye tests are important

Signs to look out for