How Can I Tell If My Child Needs Glasses? | Children’s Optometrist in Ringwood North & Mornington

Does your child need glasses? When it comes to your child’s development, clear vision plays a bigger role than most parents realise. From learning to read, to playing sport, to building confidence in the classroom – eyesight impacts it all. Yet many children don’t realise their vision isn’t normal, because they assume everyone sees the same way they do.

At A Plus Optometry in Ringwood North and Mornington, we focus on early detection and prevention so children can thrive with healthy, clear vision.

Why Children Often Don’t Say There’s a Problem

Unlike adults, children rarely complain about blurry vision. They adapt. They squint, move closer to the TV, sit at the front of the class, or avoid reading altogether. Sometimes these behaviours are mistaken for distraction, lack of focus, or even behavioural issues — when in reality, it’s a vision concern.

This is why proactive eye care is essential.

Our approach to Children Eye Health and Early Prevention is centred on identifying issues early, before they affect learning or long-term eye development.

Common Signs Your Child May Need Glasses in Primary School & High School

If you’re wondering whether your child needs glasses, look out for these signs:

1. Squinting or Tilting the Head

Frequent squinting can indicate short-sightedness (myopia) or difficulty focusing. Head tilting may suggest one eye is working harder than the other.

2. Sitting Too Close to Screens

If your child sits very close to the TV, holds devices near their face, or brings books unusually close, it may be a sign of blurred distance vision.

3. Frequent Eye Rubbing

Constant eye rubbing, especially when not tired, can indicate eye strain or focusing difficulties.

4. Complaints of Headaches

Headaches after reading or screen time can be linked to uncorrected vision issues, particularly long-sightedness or astigmatism.

5. Avoiding Reading or Close Work

If your child avoids homework, loses their place while reading, or struggles to concentrate on near tasks, their eyes may be working too hard.

6. Poor Academic Performance

Vision problems can directly impact reading speed, comprehension, and classroom engagement.

7. One Eye Turning In or Out

An eye turn (strabismus) should always be assessed promptly. Early treatment can prevent long-term vision loss.

What Vision Problems Are Most Common in Children?

Several conditions commonly require glasses:

Early diagnosis allows us to not only prescribe glasses if needed, but also implement strategies to slow progression – especially in cases of myopia.

If your child is developing short-sightedness, we also provide advanced myopia control treatments in Ringwood North and Mornington.

When Should Children Have Their First Eye Test in Australia?

Children’s eyes change rapidly as they grow. Undetected vision problems can interfere with visual development and may become harder to treat later in life.

Parents across Mornington & Ringwood North ask us how ofter their children should have eye tests. In Australia, it’s recommended that children have:

Through structured Children Eye Health and Early Prevention, we assess not only clarity of vision, but also eye coordination, focusing ability and eye health.

What Happens If My Child Needs Glasses?

Many of our families in Ringwood North or Mornington become concerned if glasses are required – however, we carefully prescribe lenses tailored to your child’s specific visual needs.

Properly fitted glasses can:

For children with progressing myopia, we may also discuss myopia control options to help protect their long-term vision.

The earlier we intervene, the better the long-term outcomes.

Don’t Wait for Symptoms to Worsen

Many vision issues develop gradually. By the time symptoms are obvious, your child may have already been struggling for some time.

We support families across Ringwood North, Warranwood, Park Orchards, Croydon and Mornington Peninsula communities.

Our child-friendly, thorough assessments are designed to make kids feel comfortable while giving parents clarity and confidence.

Clear vision is not just about seeing better today – it’s about protecting your child’s future eyesight.