An older lady helps a young girl to read in a classroom

Children’s Eye Tests

At Specsavers, glasses in our kids and teens £65 range and adult £70 range ranges are free with an under‑16s’ NHS optical voucher, the offer also includes a free NHS eye test for under‑16s too.*

Book your child's eye test

Your child’s eyes are special. In early years, vision helps them find out about the world around them, but around 1 in 5 young children have a sight condition**. Being able to see clearly is incredibly important in your child’s development so we take your child’s eyesight as seriously as you do.

Ginger haired boy in glasses swinging from rope in playground

Signs your child may need an eye test

It’s often difficult to tell whether your child has sight problems, which is why they should have an eye test at least every 2 years. 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

  • The presence of a ‘turn’ in the eye or a misdirection of the 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

  • 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.

Not sure if your child might need glasses?

Find out the signs to look out for

Experience it for yourself

Move the slider below to see how their vision might look.

A classroom with unimpeded vision
A classroom with minus 1 vision
A classroom with minus 2 vision
A classroom with minus 3 vision
A classroom with minus 4 vision
A classroom with minus 5 vision
A classroom with minus 6 vision
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Disclaimer: For advice and further information about short‑sightedness you should consult an eye care professional. This Vision Simulator should be treated as information only and does not represent advice. The images presented are artistic interpretations of short‑sightedness as experienced without glasses or contact lenses.

Book your child's eye test

Frequently asked questions

What happens during a child’s eye test?

We know that eye tests can be a little overwhelming for some children — especially if it’s their first time. That’s why we’ve made kids eye tests as enjoyable and child‑friendly as possible.

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

A young girl is surrounded by family as she prepares to leave for school

What to expect in store

  1. A friendly welcome

    When you arrive in store, one of the friendly team will check you in and show you and your child to the waiting area.

  2. Meet your child’s optician

    Your optician has been specially trained to test children’s eyes. They’ll take you both into the test room and ask you some questions about your child’s general health and eye health. You can ask any questions you may have too.

  3. Time for the eye test

    The test takes about 20 minutes. We use special charts allowing children to recognise shapes or pictures, or match letters, so we can test children’s eyes if they’re unable to read. A child’s eye test, like an adult’s, checks eye health as well as vision.

  4. Choose some glasses

    If your child needs a new pair of glasses, they can explore our kids’ frames and try them on. We have lots to choose from.

Common eye conditions

How are children’s glasses different from adults?

Our children’s glasses are not just smaller versions of adults’ styles. So as well as looking good, they have a number of features that take into account your child’s anatomy and head shape, and the fact that they are likely to grow during the time they own them.

It’s normal for kids to feel a bit reluctant to wear glasses, and in most cases, it’s all about how their glasses look. So it’s important to make the right decision when choosing glasses for your child to make sure they feel happy, comfortable and confident – so they’ll want to wear their glasses, not just because they need to.

Browse Children's Glasses
Two girls in a class room, one is writing in an exercise book, the other has her hand raised

Find out more

  • Ginger haired boy in glasses in a school classroom

    Children’s Glasses

    From £65 with over 100 pairs to choose from.

    Browse Children’s Glasses
  • A girl in a green dress and sunglasses on the beach with family

    Children’s Sunglasses

    Children under 16 are at higher risk of UV damage to their eyes. Make sure they’re protected with a pair of sunglasses.

    Browse Kid's Sunglasses
  • An optician shows a girl how to put in contact lenses

    Children’s contact lenses

    If they’re not keen on glasses, your child might like to try contact lenses.

    Children's Contact Lenses

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  • *NHS funded optical vouchers ‑ Cannot be used with other offers. Extra Options available at an additional charge. Excludes myopia management lenses. Offer available in UK only. The NHS will cover the full cost of an eye test for all children under 16. Those under 19 in full‑time education, are also entitled to an NHS‑funded eye test. Children are entitled to an NHS‑funded eye test every 2 years or as directed by their Optometrist.

  • **Around 20% of children under 10 experience sight conditions[1], this could mean up to 1.6m children[2] are impacted by conditions such as long‑sightedness, short‑sightedness, astigmatism (refractive errors) or a squint / turn in the eye (strabismus). The great news is that many of these conditions can be managed or corrected[3], provided they are identified, and treatment is started before the age of 8, when vision is still developing.

    [1] Source: Ophthalmic Services for Children Guidance by The Royal College of Ophthalmologists’ Paediatric Sub‑Committee

    [2] Source: ONS ‑ Estimates of the population for the UK, England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland

    [3] Source: NHS.