Children’s Eye Examinations: When and How to Check Your Child’s Vision

12/01/2026

Children's Eye Examinations: When and How to Check Your Child's Vision

Children often do not show obvious signs of vision problems, and many are unable to clearly express difficulties with their eyesight. In some cases, a child may even assume that poor vision is normal. For this reason, regular eye examinations are essential to detect visual issues early and ensure healthy visual development.

Why Should Your Child See a Pediatric Ophthalmologist?

Routine eye examinations by a Pediatric Ophthalmologist play a vital role in your child's overall development. Regular check-ups help to:

• Detect refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism at an early stage.

• Identify lazy eye (amblyopia) or eye misalignment (strabismus) .

• Prevent long-term visual problems that may affect learning, behavior, and growth.

• Address potential vision issues early through glasses or other treatments, helping ensure normal visual development.

• Reduce the impact of genetic or hereditary eye conditions through early monitoring and personalised treatment plans.

Early diagnosis allows timely intervention, which is critical for achieving the best possible visual outcomes.

Signs That May Indicate Vision Problems in Children

Even if a child does not complain about their vision, parents may notice certain warning signs, including:

• Sitting too close to screens or holding books or devices very close to the face.

• Head tilting or viewing objects from an unusual angle to see more clearly.

• Covering or closing one eye to rely on the stronger eye for focus.

• Frequent eye rubbing, which may indicate eye strain, fatigue, or blurred vision.

Observing these behaviours early can help parents seek professional advice before vision problems worsen.

Frequently Asked Questions About Children’s Eye Health

When should my child have their first eye examination?
Eye examinations are recommended at 6 months of age, again at 3 years, and before starting school. After that, follow-up visits should be scheduled according to the ophthalmologist’s advice.

Can my child’s vision be tested if they cannot read yet?
Yes. Paediatric eye specialists use non-verbal and child-friendly methods, such as:

• Picture charts instead of letters.

• The “Tumbling E” test, where the child points in the direction of the letter’s arms.

• Advanced digital devices that measure how light focuses in the eye within seconds.

Can vision problems like nearsightedness or farsightedness be treated in children?
Some conditions may improve as a child grows, but most vision problems require glasses, regular monitoring, or medical or surgical treatment, depending on the case.

How can I tell if my child has a vision problem?
Monitoring your child’s behaviour during reading, play, and screen use can help identify early signs of visual difficulty.

Do screens affect children’s eye health?
Excessive screen use may cause eye strain and may contribute to the progression of myopia in some children. Limiting screen time and encouraging outdoor activities are strongly recommended.

How Children’s Eye Conditions Are Treated at Barraquer Eye Hospital UAE

1. Specialised and Accurate Diagnosis

• Each child undergoes a comprehensive eye examination using advanced diagnostic and digital imaging technologies.

• Conditions such as refractive errors, strabismus, and lazy eye are accurately identified.

2. Personalised Treatment Plans

• Based on diagnostic results, Spanish-trained paediatric eye specialists develop a tailored treatment plan, which may include:

  • Prescription glasses.

  • Vision therapy or therapeutic exercises.

  • Surgical treatment for complex or advanced cases.

3. Comprehensive and Child-Friendly Care

• A comfortable and reassuring experience is provided for both the child and family.

• Parents receive clear guidance on prevention, treatment compliance, and the importance of regular follow-up.

4. Continuous Follow-Up for Healthy Visual Development

• Ongoing monitoring ensures steady improvement and normal eye development.

• The hospital combines internationally recognized Spanish expertise with the latest medical innovations to deliver optimal outcomes for children in the UAE.

Dr. Alina Magnani Deza

Qualifications and Experience

• Over 22 years of clinical and surgical experience in pediatric ophthalmology.

• Master's degree in Diagnosis and Treatment of Cataracts and Glaucoma from Barraquer Institute (2005).

• Member of the Spanish Society of Strabismus and Pediatric Ophthalmology (SEEOP) .

Areas of Expertise

• Strabismus in children and adults

• Amblyopia (lazy eye) and nystagmus

• Eye muscle paralysis

• Retinal diseases in premature infants

• Pediatric uveitis and neuro-ophthalmology
   

Dr. Ola Sadeq Alsaed

Qualifications and Experience
• Nearly 15 years of clinical experience in paediatric and general ophthalmology
• Master’s degree from a highly competitive ophthalmology training program
• Provides comprehensive eye care for both children and adults
• Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
• Fellow of the International Council of Ophthalmology

Areas of Expertise
• Paediatric ophthalmology
• Squint (strabismus)
• General ophthalmology
• Comprehensive eye examinations for children and adults

Conclusion

Children's eye health cannot be reliably assessed without a specialized examination. Regular visits to a pediatric ophthalmologist are the most effective way to ensure healthy vision and normal visual development. A small step today can protect your child from future vision problems and support lifelong eye health.

Book a Consultation

• Email: appointments@barraquer.ae

• Phone (outside UAE): +971 4 573 9999

• Toll-Free (inside UAE): 800 234 823 (BEHUAE)

• Working Hours: Daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
  Extended hours on Mondays until 8:00 PM