Children's Eye Tests
Thorough, gentle eye tests to protect your child’s vision and support their learning
Children's Eye Tests You Can Feel Confident About.
Your child may not always know when something isn’t quite right with their vision. That’s why regular eye checks are an important part of caring for their eyes as they grow.
At Options Optometrists, our qualified optometrists provide thorough, age-appropriate children's eye examinations in a calm and reassuring environment. We check your child’s vision, how their eyes work together and their overall eye health — and explain everything clearly to you.
When should your child have an eye test?
Sometimes there are no obvious signs of a vision problem. You may also notice your child:
Squinting or sitting close to screens
Rubbing or covering one eye
Complaining of headaches or tired eyes
Having difficulty seeing the board at school
Losing their place when reading
Avoiding reading or close work
Tilting their head or closing one eye to see
If you have any concerns about your child’s eyes or vision, it’s worth having them checked.
Children’s Glasses Made for Real Life
If your child needs glasses, we’ll help you find comfortable, durable frames that suit their age, prescription and personality.
Children under 12 with eligible optical health cover can receive two complete standard pairs of glasses with no gap to pay — ideal for school, home or keeping a spare pair.
Children’s Eye Tests & Medicare
Initial standard comprehensive children’s eye tests are bulk billed to Medicare for eligible Medicare cardholders.*
*Additional diagnostic imaging, scans or specialised testing may incur a fee where clinically indicated. We will always explain any recommended testing and associated costs before proceeding.
*Health fund offer subject to eligibility and available benefits. Minimum optical benefit of $120 applies. Standard prescription range -4.00 to +4.00 with cylinder up to -2.00. Single vision lenses only.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are children's eye tests Bulk Billed?
At what age should children have an eye test?
We recommend that children have a comprehensive eye test before starting their first year of school (at three or four years old). After that, we advise having an eye test at the beginning of each school year to monitor changes in vision as they grow. Eye tests can also be arranged if you or your child notice signs of vision problems, such as squinting, frequent eye rubbing, headaches, difficulty concentrating, or complaints of blurry vision. Optometrists can also do preliminary tests from 6 months old if you have any concerns about your child's vision. Regular eye tests are essential for detecting issues early, helping your child perform at their best at school and in everyday life.
What happens during a children's eye test?
When your child has an eye test, the optometrist will perform a series of vision assessments specifically tailored to children. These tests determine how well they can see out of each eye individually, as well as how the eyes work together for both near and distance tasks. Age-appropriate techniques are used, including advanced equipment and vision charts featuring pictures, symbols, or letters, depending on the child's reading ability.
A full, comprehensive eye examination is usually recommended between three and four years old, before starting school. Comprehensive testing assesses more than just clarity of vision — it also checks eye muscle control, focusing ability, depth perception, and overall eye health.