As the summer holidays wind down, families are busy buying everything from school uniforms to PE kits and stationery. While the focus is often on the visible essentials, there’s one vital step that is easy to miss: ensuring your child’s eyesight is ready for the classroom.
Clear vision underpins learning. Yet research from Optegra Eye Health Care reveals that one in five adults is unaware that children need regular eye tests. This is, although 96% of UK optometrists agree that early correction of vision problems can boost learning and development.
Why an Eye Test Belongs on Your Back-to-School List
“Parents often focus on haircuts, pencil cases and smart new shoes, and it’s easy to forget a really important test – your child’s eyesight,” says Mr Aamir Ismailjee, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Optegra.
A quick, free NHS eye test can confirm your child’s vision is healthy or identify whether glasses are needed. Without clear sight, simple classroom activities such as reading from the whiteboard to working with books can quickly become a daily challenge.
Five Signs Your Child May Need Their Vision Checked
As eyesight issues in children can go unnoticed, we recommend that parents watch for these warning signs:
- Struggling to read or see close-up words
- Squinting or screwing up the eyes
- Sitting too close to the television
- One eye turning inwards or eyes not moving together
- Falling behind with schoolwork
If any of these are familiar and you suspect your child would benefit from glasses, an eye test should be your next step.
Eye Tests Are Free for Children
Every child in the UK is entitled to a free NHS eye test and, if necessary, free glasses. Many parents are reassured to learn that these tests do not require children to read letters. Optometrists use age-appropriate methods, so even pre-schoolers can be checked accurately.
The Department of Health recommends vision screening between the ages of four and five. However, you can book an eye test earlier if you have concerns about your child’s eyesight. Eye tests are crucial at this young age as uncorrected vision problems can have long-lasting effects.
Encouraging Healthy Habits for Growing Eyes
Not all mild prescriptions need glasses. Mr Ismailjee explains:
“Where both eyes see clearly, glasses may not be required. Instead, children should spend more time outdoors, and less time on close-up screens or in dimly lit rooms.”
Maintaining good lifestyle habits and reducing excessive screen time can help prevent eye strain and support healthy vision. However, when prescriptions are high or one eye sees less clearly than the other, early treatment is vital to prevent long-term issues such as amblyopia (lazy eye).
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Undetected sight issues can affect far more than reading. They may hinder concentration, reduce confidence in the classroom, and limit participation in sports. Left untreated, these challenges can persist into adulthood, affecting education, career prospects and quality of life.
Timely testing and treatment make a significant difference, giving children the clear vision they need to thrive.
Book an Eye Test Before Term Begins
In your back-to-school preparation, as you tick off uniforms, sports shoes and stationery, we recommend adding one more item to your back-to-school checklist: a free NHS eye test.
It’s quick, simple, and could be one of the most important steps you take to support your child’s confidence, learning and long-term development.
By Author: Aamir Ismailjee
Mr Aamir Ismailjee is one of the few eye surgeons in the World with dual qualifications in both Optometry and Ophthalmology. This has given him a wealth of knowledge and expertise in refractive treatments.
Medically Reviewed Date: 28th August 2025
