Where to go for help if you suspect your child has an eye problem or vision issue. As a parent, noticing that your child might be struggling with their vision can be worrying. Whether it’s squinting, frequent eye rubbing, or difficulty reading, understanding the signs early is key. If you suspect your child has an eye or vision problem, it’s important to get them checked as soon as possible. Inge Loubser, junior partner of the Mellins Full Service Optometry Group guideS you on where to go for professional help, ensuring your child gets the best care and support.
A newborn baby’s general eye health must be checked by a paediatrician or family doctor (general practitioner). High-risk newborns (including premature babies) with a family history of eye problems or obvious eye abnormalities must be examined by an ophthalmologist.
During the first year, all infants must undergo an eye health screening test by a paediatrician or family doctor as part of a routine examination. By the age of 3.5 years, children’s visual acuity (vision sharpness) should be tested by an optometrist. At the age of five, their vision and eye alignment should be checked by their optometrist and children who have problems with their eye muscles, can then be referred to an ophthalmologist.
“Eye care and eye examinations should be part of your child’s routine medical care.”
A comprehensive eye test is recommended at least every two years, unless there are cases where your child is wearing glasses, is diabetic or has a family history of eye problems, in which case it should be more frequent.
Where can parents go for help?
Eye care and eye examinations should be part of your child’s routine medical care. There are different doctors offering eye care, but their titles can sometimes be confusing:
- Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who offer comprehensive eye care with medication and surgery.
- Paediatric ophthalmologists are doctors who have undergone additional specialised training to treat child-specific eye problems.
- Optometrists provide services similar to those of ophthalmologists, but they do not do surgery. Certain optometrists also specialise in child-specific eye problems.
- Opticians fit and adjust glasses.
How a toddler’s eyes are tested when they are too young to speak
According to Inge, Mellins i-Style Vision Centres use the latest Zeiss technology from Germany, the so-called Zeiss i-Profiler. Each eye is as unique as a fingerprint and during the visual examination, a visual analysis is done to take an optical card or ‘fingerprint’ of each eye. This technology then provides a digital map of exactly 2 500 points in each eye in less than 60 seconds, making it very easy and convenient to determine your child’s refractive status without requiring any feedback on his or her side.
“For children from the age of three who are struggling to talk or are too shy to speak aloud, we can use a ‘tumbling E’ card,” says Inge. “It lets your child indicate with their hand in which direction the letter ‘E’ is directed (e.g. up, down, right or left). We also look at your child’s colour vision and how accurately the eye muscles function that make the eyes move, by performing relatively ‘simple’ tests that are objective,” she says.
Ophthalmoscopy is also performed as part of the routine examination, where the optometrist looks into the structures within the eye. For more eye care tips and advice visit www.mellins.co.za.
Also read:
5 Serious Eye Conditions in Children You Should Know About
7 Signs Your Toddler Needs an Eye Examination
FAQs: Where to Go for Help if You Suspect Your Child Has an Eye Problem
What are the signs that my child might have an eye problem?
Common signs include:
- Squinting or sitting very close to the TV
- Frequent eye rubbing or blinking
- Crossed or misaligned eyes
- Red, watery, or crusty eyes
- Complaints of headaches or blurred vision
- Difficulty reading, recognising faces, or maintaining eye contact
If you notice any of these, it’s best to have your child’s eyes checked.
Who should I contact first if I’m worried about my child’s eyes?
You can start by speaking to your GP, clinic nurse or paediatrician, who may refer you to an optometrist or ophthalmologist for further testing and treatment.
Can I take my child directly to an optometrist?
Yes. Many optometrists in South Africa offer child-friendly vision screenings, even for toddlers. Some medical aids cover routine eye exams, or you can ask about public clinic referrals.
Are children’s eye tests free in South Africa?
In many public hospitals and clinics, basic eye screenings are provided at no cost, especially if referred by a nurse or GP. Some schools also offer vision screening programmes.
What is the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?
- An optometrist checks vision, prescribes glasses, and identifies common eye issues.
- An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who treats more serious eye problems, performs surgery, and manages complex conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or eye injuries.
What if my child needs glasses?
Your optometrist will provide a prescription. Glasses for children are widely available, and some public healthcare facilities may offer low-cost or subsidised options.
How early can my child have an eye test?
Children can have a basic eye check from around 6 months of age. More detailed testing is usually done from age 3 to 5, or earlier if you notice signs of a problem.
What if my child refuses to wear their glasses?
This is common. Make it a positive experience and let them help choose frames, give lots of encouragement, and ensure the glasses are comfortable and fitted correctly.
Can vision problems affect my child’s learning?
Yes. Poor vision can impact reading, writing, concentration, and behaviour in school. That’s why early detection and correction are so important.
What if we live in a rural area with limited access to specialists?
Ask your nearest clinic or public hospital for a referral. In some areas, mobile eye clinics and outreach programmes visit schools and communities to provide screenings and care.
Are eye problems in children treatable?
Yes – many conditions like lazy eye, squints and short-sightedness can be effectively treated, especially when caught early. Regular monitoring and follow-ups are essential.
Disclaimer: This content is for general guidance and does not replace medical advice. If you’re concerned about your child’s eye health or vision, consult your GP, optometrist, or an eye specialist as soon as possible for proper evaluation and care.
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