Spring is coming – think lighter mornings, warmer weather and more time outdoors. If you’re a parent like me and with a child who is due to start secondary school this coming September, then the realisation that the school year is flying by is very real. It’s also a good time to think about a quick spring check of your child’s eye health.
Because here’s the thing: children don’t always know (or tell you) that they’re struggling to see. They assume everyone sees the world the way they do. Like my daughter with her visual stress and more on that coming soon – it will be in a separate article to explain what it is.
So, this 2026 guide covers the essentials parents in the UK need to know from when to book an eye test, to the latest conversations around screen time and myopia (short-sightedness) management, plus simple habits that support healthy vision.
The 60-second spring check: signs your child might need an eye test
You don’t need to be an optometrist to spot potential clues. Keep an eye out for:
- Squinting, frowning or tilting the head to see
- Sitting very close to the TV or holding screens/books close
- Complaints of headaches, tired eyes or rubbing eyes often
- Losing their place when reading, avoiding reading, or reduced concentration
- One eye turning in or out (even occasionally)
- Watery eyes, frequent blinking, or light sensitivity
If any of these are happening, it’s worth booking a test sooner rather than later.
When should children have an eye test in the UK?
In the UK, the NHS outlines routine eye checks for babies and children (including checks shortly after birth and at key early milestones) however, they are not the same as a routine eye check like we all know from an optician. Beyond that, many optometrists recommend regular eye tests from around age 3 and don’t wait for school to flag an issue.
Practical tip: spring and early summer can be easier for appointments than the back-to-school rush.
The big topic in 2026: myopia (short-sightedness) and lifestyle
If you’ve heard more parents talking about myopia recently or seeing it more in the media or via social, you’re not imagining it. Myopia is a major focus in children’s eye health globally and in the UK. The rate of myopia is worse over in Asia so, yes, it is a huge topic.
1) Screen time and myopia: what the research is saying
A large systematic review published in JAMA Network Open found an association between more digital screen time and higher chance of myopia, with a dose-response pattern.
That doesn’t mean screens are the only cause (myopia is multi-factorial), but it does support what many eye care professionals have been saying for years: balance matters.
2) Outdoor time is still one of the simplest ways to help prevent the rate of myopia.
Multiple reviews have found that more time spent outdoors is associated with a lower risk of developing myopia in children. In the UK, I do understand it is hard during the winter period to do outdoor activities but a walk to school, park time (when is dry), weekend walks, some form of outdoor or indoor play are all good, if the inside space is big like a softplay, for an instance.
What parents can do: 7 eye-health habits that actually fit real life:
- Book routine eye tests (especially before starting school so, in the UK age 4/5)
- Prioritise outdoor time most days (even 30 minutes helps)
- Build in screen breaks (short, regular breaks are easier than big rules)
- Encourage good reading distance (NOT nose-to-page)
- Good lighting for homework (avoid dim lighting)
- Protect eyes outdoors with a cap/hat and UV-protective sunglasses when appropriate
- Take allergies seriously (spring can bring itchy, watery eyes that affect comfort and focus)
Myopia management in the UK: what’s new and what to ask about
In 2026, the focus for children with myopia will shift towards management rather than just increasing the prescriptions.
In the UK and Ireland, a 2024 modified Delphi consensus set out best-practice guidance for managing myopia in children and young people.
In late 2025, the UK’s MHRA approved the first licensed low-dose atropine treatment for myopia in children (within a defined age and prescription range). Access and suitability will vary, but it’s a sign of how quickly this area is evolving.
If your child is short-sighted, you can ask your optometrist:
- Is my child’s myopia progressing quickly?
- Are there myopia management options suitable for their age?
- Does the frame fit my child well in order for the myopia lens to work effectively?
- Is the machine testing my child’s eye, the right one for children with myopia?
Spring-specific note: allergies vs eyesight how to tell
Spring can make eyes feel sore and watery even when vision is fine.
Allergy signs often include:
- Itchy eyes
- Redness
- Watery eyes
- Symptoms that come and go with pollen exposure
Eyesight issues are more likely when you see:
- Squinting
- Head tilting
- Complaints of blur (near or distance)
- Headaches after school
If you’re not sure, an eye test is the quickest way to rule things in or out.
The takeaway
A spring check for your child’s eye health doesn’t need to be dramatic. It’s about noticing small signs early, keeping screen time balanced with outdoor time, and staying on top of regular eye tests.
If you’re a parent reading this, when was your child’s last eye test and did anything surprise you?
Image: from Adobe Stock images