Is it normal for 2 year old to have eye test?

[ARxo]

just that really. Had an appointment come through for my DD to see an orphoptist out of nowhere and a bit confused? Is this the norm?

Not that I'm aware of, maybe it's a new scheme in your area? Any family history?

Specsavers is similar about pushing eyesight tests on very young children, then asking when you arrive "Do you have any concerns about their eyesight? No? Oh ... well why are you here?". We took DD when 2, then left it until she was 4.5 and had started school, yet still the same reaction. Am baffled when I should take them, and worried as both DH and I wear glasses.

My kids all started having eye tests from the age of two. This was due to me telling the Health Visitor at the 2 year check-up that a relative had an eye condition. Could this be the case for you?

My DD hasn’t even had her 2 year check, so if the HV randomly reffered her I would expect them to be consulting me as to why?
no one else I know has been referred in my area with their child at 2 years of age

I wear glasses myself but not sure why that would warrant an early eye test? I’m so confused

When my youngest had her two year check (6 years ago now) my hv specifically asked if she'd had an eye test yet, they hadn't with my oldest who was 18 months older. I took them both at the same time and it turned out my eldest had a lazy eye and needed quite a lot of treatment/checks/patching. I felt like the worst mother in the world that I hadn't taken him sooner!

Hi OP, Orthoptist here. I think it would be a definite referral from someone to get an Orthoptic appointment. Some areas have screening programmes but usually for children older than 2. You could try ringing the department and they should be able to tell you where it’s come from

@COYU I’ve just looked at the letter again and it’s come from our local hospital. The only time my daughter has ever had her eyes tested was when she fell down the stairs when she was around 1 years of age, could this be why booked another one? Is this routine?

@COYU just to add when she had her last appointment this was over a year ago and everything was fine, I also haven’t raised any concerns with anyone regarding her vision

I wear glasses and my 2 year old gets called to the hospital for eye tests every 6 months. I was told it was because I wear glasses and would continue until age 7. Didnt have this with my first though, so must be new.

@Aria2015 well that’s a relief, I’m just stressed because I have no idea who or why my DD has been reffered for her eyes to be tested. I over think as you can probably tell!

Hi
Its probably a follow up from when she was seen as a 1 year old- most departments hang onto children until they are old enough to do a simple vision test and don’t like to discharge until that’s been achieved. A 12 month follow up if they weren’t worried last time but needed that last bit of testing to be done to be happy to discharge perhaps

I assume my lo was referred after their 2 year check, because the first appointment came shortly after. It wasn't mentioned to me and I only questioned it after receiving the third appointment! I suppose it's a good thing, but I've had zero concerns about their sight so far.

P.S. Most departments use a test called Kay Pictures for testing 2+ year olds. If you want to practice the pictures at home before your appointment you can download an app called Kay Pictures Say and Match (free) so your little one is familiar with the pictures, as they are a bit stylised ( in order to be scientifically correct)

Sounds like a follow up check from her previous appointment. You may as well take her along. My DD had glasses from 12 months old and I always found it fascinating when they tested her.

Thank you everyone you’ve all really reassured me!

@COYU i just wanted to add, my DD still doesn’t talk and is currently on a waiting list for SALT, will she be expected to name what’s on the cards? She knows what’s different objects are when asked and will point to the correct image but won’t actually say the name?