Eye test for 2 year old

[DamselInDisarray]

DS2 (who's 2) has been blinking loads. In the summer we thought it might be hay fever but he's still doing it, usually during stories at bedtime. We thought he might just be tired but he's started doing it at nursery too so it's probably a good idea to take him for an eye test.

Does anyone know how they test 2 year olds? Can I just go to a normal opticians for it?

we've always has dd2's done at the eye dept in the local hosp tbh, but she was referred by gp. maybe just call your optician and ask what the procedure is for tinies? i think some of them do littlies as well, but it might vary.

I'd ask to get referred to an opthamologist or optometrist rather than an eye test with an optician. They are used to young children, which are hard to test. DS has an eye condition and optician would have no hope of testing him. See your gp and get a referral to a specialist.

Our paed arranged for us to go to the opthalmologist at hospital - although when they squirted stuff in his eyes and did three different tests over the course of an hour and a half DH was wishing I hadn't asked!

Our HV told me to go to the optician when DS was 2 as he was falling over loads and she was trying to rule things out. Went to make an appt with them and they immediately referred us to the eye hospital as they thought DS was too young for them to help (or possibly wrote me a letter to give to GP to refer, was 3 years ago so bit hazy).

Yep need to get referral from GP... DS2 has severe squint amongst his other issues. Consultant put in drops then looked in eyes and from that he could see that he did not have any problems. also do tests with picture cars and look at where the child looks when the picture is turned round.

They will not do anything with DS squint until he is old enough to communicate what he can or can;t see better. DS also has GDD so may have long wait!! Good luck hun!!

My friend went to her local Medical Centre - they have a Community desk and she was able to refer her little one there. Meanwhile I tried to do the same but had to get a referal from our school nurse. Our DS's are 5. But I was told if not the school nurse the Health Visitor could refer. Just depends a) where you live and what the system is and b) if you get someone helpful on the day. Ironically it's my DS who needs further investigation (short sighted and visual tracking). For that reason I'd tell you to pursue the HV/GP route. I would avoid the Opticians in the High Street; firstly my experience is that very few deal with tiny ones, and b) I think the NHS route gives a more thorough test hence the above results for DS1.

Good luck

Thanks all. Looks like a phonecall to the GP tomorrow morning is the best plan of action.