Eye tests for children - what is the first step?

[TooTicky]

Ds2 has mentioned a couple of times that he doesn't see very well. I think it's tiredness but thought I could get him checked to put his mind at rest.
So, does one go straight to an optician or via gp or what?
Thanks

I went straight to optician. Depending on his age, it's worth finding a local one who specialises in kids/has appropriate kit (eg ds was tested before knowing all his letters, so they had a symbols test)

You can book straight with the opticians, it should be a free test. They can refer to the hospital incase of any problems which they can't help with.

You can book straight with the opticians, it should be a free test. They can refer to the hospital incase of any problems which they can't help with.

Book with the optician.

They will give you a NHS voucher for the eyetest and a voucher towards the cost of glasses.

Don't put it off.

Thanks

DS (4.3) has been going to the optician for about 18 months I think. As I am very short sighted (and it was somehow not picked up until I was 6) and DH also wears glasses, I want to make sure both he and DD are checked.

I go to Boots Opticians and so does DS - they have charts with pictures of animals etc so not knowing letters isn't a problem. Am thinking about taking DD (2.5) soonish as she seems to be frowning quite a lot, which DH thought could be something to do with eyesight, and I'd like to see whether it is or not.

Thanks Idris