Is she too young to go to an optician?

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hi all
my dd is 20 months and for the last week or so ive noticed she's been blinking a lot and shaking her head when she's focusing on something. (cant explain it better than that) but its really noticeable. i dont know whether its just her eyes adjusting ie, normal developement or i if i should get it looked at.

how old do they have to be before an optician will or can check its ok?

tia

Maybe go to your GP first?

Optician can have a look in her eyes, but not much else.

An opthalmic optician at the hospital can do some tests on babies, but think you would need to see GP first.

i thought an optician wouldn't be able to test tbh.

will make appointment with gp i think - thanks

The GP can refer you to the opthalmic department if thought necessary. Be a good idea to know any family history of eye trouble before you go. Good luck.

DS was referred to an opthalmologist by the health visitor when he was 2.5, she said he was fine but he was sent a letter recently to have another check and we now have to go to the hospital on thursday for a more detailed assessment (green dye etc..) as they think he needs glasses - he's just turned 4 now.

I think they can do eye tests on small children, differently than with adults obviously. Something to do with the way light reflects back (please don't quote me on that) Give them a ring and see.

I went for weekly eye tests at hospital as a young child. As a result I was interested in training in opthalmics, but was advised own eyesight would make it difficult to comprehend some points. But while making enquiries I saw some tests they do on babies, including a picture of a fly that they ask the baby to pick up. The way the baby tries to pick it up depends on how the eyes are working. I failed it!

My ds saw an opthalmologist when he was 6 days old, and every six months until he was 18m as dh has congenital cateracts in his family so needed to be sure ds hadn't inherrited them.

There are various tests they can do, from full-on examinations with dilated pupils, to looking at how eyes focus by showing cards with assorted colours/shapes which help to track eye movement and showing light through a prism.

I would speak to your gp and get a referral, it may be nothing, but if it is anything to cause concern you can get it treated asap.

I agree with the others, take her to the GP and they will refer you to an opthalmic department if they feel there is a problem. She is not too young, DS2 has been seen regularly since he was 6 months old and had his first glasses at 1 to help with extremely long sight, a squint and a lazy eye.