Children often cannot explain vision problems, so behaviour offers important clues that they may need glasses.
Common signs your child may need glasses
Watch how your child looks at things both near and far. Subtle changes in posture or concentration can hint that the eyes are working too hard.
- Sitting very close to the television or holding books near the face
- Squinting, rubbing eyes, or tilting the head to see clearly
- Complaints of headaches, tired eyes, or words moving on the page
- Falling behind at school or avoiding reading tasks
When to book an eye test
Regular eye checks help find problems early, even before symptoms appear. Early treatment supports learning, confidence, and healthy visual development.
- Arrange an eye test if there is a family history of high prescriptions or squint
- Seek assessment quickly if one eye seems to wander or turn
- Free NHS sight tests are available for children in the UK
- Explain that eye tests are painless so your child feels relaxed
