Eye tests for children

[DancingFlower1]

My son is nearly 5, about to start school in September. I want to get his eyes tested. My problem is that my son will not talk to anyone other than close family/friends, definitely not strangers. This makes going to the dentist and doctors very difficult so I don't see how I will get him to do the eye test. Has anyone had a similar problem and is there a way for him to do the test without having to talk to them?

My daughter has now had her eye test. The opthalmologist was absolutely brilliant with her (definitely concur with my friends recommendation) and even those she's usually mute around strangers answered the questions herself. There was one of the exercises that she wouldn't play ball with so we have to go back in 6 months. She didn't need the drops and the eye test was similar to an adults test but a bit more play based and took about 15-20 minutes
I have a vision issue and she tested my daughter for this and she got me to do the test too and my daughter was really pleased to be able to do something I couldn't!
The opthalmologist also praised us for going confirming that in our area that there are no longer any school tests.

Hi Op, a sight test can be conducted using a Kay Picture Chart - the optician shows an image and the patient then points to the image on a card. A sight test can be done with no speaking from the patient at all. Just let them know in advance so they can allow a long enough appointment for this. Good luck!

We wouldn't usually use Kay Pictures for a 5 year old, we'd use a modified letter test if they weren't keen on speaking - Sheridan Gardiner type. We also don't need any extra time. Main thing is just to get them in for a test before school.

There absolutely isn't any sort of eye test for pre-schoolers or Reception children in the county where I teach. This is regularly discussed with frustration at SENCO meetings. With funding cuts, I doubt my county is the only one. Apparently Specsavers is very good for children.