Introduction
All babies in Somerset have their eyes checked soon after birth. This is usually:
- within 72 hours of birth
- again at 6 to 8 weeks
Some children develop eye problems later.
Health visitors may ask about your child’s eyesight at their 1‑year and 2.5‑year reviews.
When your child starts school, their eyesight will be checked again. This is called vision screening. It helps find problems early so they can be treated.
Children should also have an eye test at an optician every year.
Eye tests are free on the NHS for:
- children under 16
- young people under 19 in full-time education
There are simple things you can do to help keep your child’s eyes healthy.
Signs to look out for in younger children
Some children may show signs they are having trouble seeing. In babies and toddlers, this can include:
- not looking at or following objects
- not noticing small things like crumbs or toys
- not reaching for nearby objects
- holding things very close
- not recognising you across the room
- bumping into things
- being more clumsy than expected
Signs to look out for in older children
As children get older, signs can include:
- eyes not looking in the same direction
- headaches or sore eyes
- trouble reading or losing their place
- holding books very close
- finding ball games difficult
- not seeing the board at school
- trips or falls in familiar places
- being sensitive to light
- rubbing their eyes often
- sitting very close to the TV
Eye conditions and support
Some children may be told they are:
- short-sighted
- long-sighted
Glasses can often help. This means your child can see more clearly and keep learning and developing as expected.
Other conditions, such as a squint, lazy eye or colour blindness, may mean your child needs extra support. See Somerset’s Graduated Response for more information.
It is important to find problems early so your child can get the help they need.
Making visits to the optician easier
Eye tests can feel stressful for some children.
You can help by preparing in advance. For example:
- use easy read guides to explain what will happen
- watch short videos of eye tests
- read simple tips about getting ready
You can also:
- find opticians who welcome children with learning difficulties
- ask your optician about a home visit (domiciliary sight test) if your child cannot leave home
What you should do if you think your child is struggling
If you are worried about your child’s eyesight:
- speak to your health visitor (if your child is under 5)
- or take your child to an optician
Children can have an eye test at any age. They do not need to read or speak.
If needed, the optician can refer your child to a specialist eye clinic.
You should contact your GP if your child has:
- an eye infection
- lumps or bumps on their eyelids
- watery eyes that do not get better
For eye injuries, go to an urgent treatment centre or A&E if it is serious.
It also helps to talk to your child’s teacher so they can support your child at school.
Vision Support Team
The Vision Support Team is part of Somerset Council’s Inclusive Curriculum and Teaching Team and includes:
- Qualified Teachers of Visual Impairment (QTVI)
- Specialist Support Advisors
- Habilitation Specialists
The service works closely with Ophthalmologists, Orthoptists, Sensory Loss colleagues, Therapists, Educational Psychologists and Voluntary Agencies such as RNIB, Guide Dogs and Somerset Sight.
The team can visit the child or young person in their homes, pre-school settings, schools and colleges. They assess your child’s functional vision and can then provide support with information about:
- the child or young person’s visual condition and how this may impact their learning
- strategies to support access to learning and the curriculum
- adaptations and equipment
- adaptations for the environment
They can also offer direct support, teaching, training and advice to equip the child with necessary skills for independence in:
- living skills
- mobility
- orientation