Children’s Eye Care
Every child’s vision develops as they grow, and early assessment can help identify problems that may affect how their eyes work together. Our children’s eye care service provides specialist assessment for children experiencing concerns with vision, eye alignment, eye movements or binocular vision.
If you have noticed something unusual about your child’s eyes or vision, or if they have been experiencing visual difficulties, a specialist assessment can help understand what may be causing the problem and whether further management is needed.
Specialist Eye Care for Children
Children may not always be able to explain when they are having difficulty with their vision. Parents may instead notice signs such as an eye turning in or out, difficulty focusing, problems with visual tasks or complaints of double vision.
Children’s orthoptic assessment looks at how the eyes move, align and work together. Depending on your child’s symptoms and assessment findings, we can help identify whether there is an issue with eye alignment, binocular vision or other aspects of visual function.
Our aim is to provide a child-friendly assessment while giving parents a clear understanding of their child’s visual needs.
When Should a Child Have an Eye Assessment?
Common Concerns We Can Assess
Parents may consider seeking an assessment if they have noticed:
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A squint or eye turn, where one eye appears to move in, out, up or down
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Double vision, or your child reporting that they see two images
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Difficulty focusing or maintaining clear vision during visual tasks
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Eye alignment concerns, particularly if the eyes do not appear to work together
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Visual difficulties that affect everyday activities
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Binocular vision problems, where the two eyes have difficulty working together effectively
Not every child with these symptoms will require the same type of assessment or treatment. Your child’s needs will be considered individually following their clinical assessment.
What Happens During a Children's Eye Assessment?
A children's eye assessment is tailored to the child’s age, symptoms and ability to participate in the examination.
The assessment may include checking your child’s vision and looking at how their eyes move, align and work together. Depending on their symptoms, the clinician may also assess binocular vision, eye movements and focusing.
What Can Parents Expect?
During the appointment, the clinician will explain the assessment and discuss any concerns you have about your child’s vision.
You may be asked about:
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Your child’s visual symptoms
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When you first noticed the problem
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Whether the symptoms occur during particular activities
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Any previous eye examinations or treatment
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How the visual problem may be affecting your child
The clinician will then discuss the assessment findings with you and explain whether any further management, monitoring or treatment may be appropriate.
What Is a Squint in Children?
A squint, also known as strabismus, occurs when the eyes are not aligned and do not point in the same direction. One eye may turn inwards, outwards, upwards or downwards while the other eye looks straight ahead.
A squint can be noticeable all the time or may appear only at certain times, such as when a child is tired or concentrating.
Why Is Assessment Important?
A child’s visual system develops throughout childhood, so identifying an eye alignment problem can be important. An assessment can help determine how the eyes are working individually and together, and whether further monitoring or management may be appropriate.
When Should Parents Seek Advice?
Parents may wish to arrange an assessment if they notice:
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One eye regularly turning in or out
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An eye appearing misaligned in photographs or when looking at objects
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Your child closing or covering one eye
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Difficulty with certain visual tasks
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Complaints of double vision
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A noticeable change in the way the eyes are aligned
If you are concerned about your child’s eyes or vision, a specialist assessment can help clarify what is happening and what options may be appropriate.
How Can a Squint Be Managed?
Management depends on the type of squint, the child’s age, symptoms and assessment findings. Depending on the individual situation, management may include monitoring, glasses, exercises or other treatment options.
Your clinician will explain the findings and discuss the appropriate options with you.
Paediatric Orthoptist in London
A paediatric orthoptist specialises in assessing how children’s eyes move, align and work together.
Orthoptic assessment can be useful for children with concerns such as squint, double vision, eye movement difficulties or problems with binocular vision.
During an appointment, the orthoptist will assess your child according to their age and individual needs and explain the findings to you. If further investigation, treatment or monitoring is recommended, this will be discussed with you as part of your child’s care.
Concerned About Your Child’s Vision?
If you have noticed a change in your child’s eye alignment, vision or the way their eyes work together, a specialist assessment can help provide a clearer understanding of the problem. If you have questions about your child’s symptoms or would like to discuss whether an assessment is appropriate, contact our clinic.