Children’s Vision Care

When something feels off with your child’s eyesight, the worry sets in fast. At Drummoyne Optometry, we have spent over 30 years helping inner west Sydney families catch problems early, get answers quickly, and feel genuinely supported every step of the way.

Book an Appointment

Call 02 9181 3157

Signs Your Child May
Need an Eye Test

You do not need a diagnosis to book an appointment. Trust what you are noticing.

Sits too close to the TV or screen

Squints, tilts their head, or blinks excessively

Complains of headaches after school or reading

Struggles to keep up in class or with reading

One eye appears to turn in or out

Seems clumsy or has poor hand-eye coordination

Has not had an eye check in over two years

If any of these sound familiar, a children’s eye test is the right next step. We are here when you are ready.

Book an Appointment

Common Children’s Vision Problems

Myopia

One of the most common childhood vision conditions in Australia. Children with myopia can see close objects clearly but struggle with distance, which often shows up as difficulty reading the school board or recognising faces across a room.

Hyperopia

Often missed because children can initially compensate by working their focusing muscles harder. Over time this causes eye strain, headaches, and difficulty concentrating, particularly during reading and close work.

Astigmatism

Caused by an unequal curvature in the cornea or lens, astigmatism makes vision blurry at all distances. Children frequently cannot describe what they are experiencing, which is why a proper exam matters.

Strabismus

An eye that turns inward, outward, upward, or downward needs prompt attention. If you have noticed this in your child, please do not wait. Book an appointment as soon as you can.

Amblyopia

When one eye develops weaker vision than the other, the brain begins to favour the stronger eye. Early detection is essential because amblyopia responds significantly better to treatment in younger children.

Ophthalmopathies

These conditions can develop slowly and with very few early symptoms. Regular eye exams are one of the most effective ways to detect them early, when there are more options available. If you have a family history of any of these conditions, please do not wait.

Drummoyne Optometry vs General Optometrists

What to Consider	Most Optometry Practices	Drummoyne Optometry
Years serving the local community	Varies by practice and location	Over 30 years caring for families in inner west Sydney
Practice model	Mix of independent and corporate-owned practices	Fully independent — recommendations are based on your needs, not sales targets
Children’s appointment style	Standard consultation timeframes	Appointments run at your child’s pace, with techniques adapted to their age and temperament
Medicare claiming	Available at most practices	Processed on the spot at every visit, no forms to submit yourself
Private health fund claiming	Available at many practices	HICAPS electronic claiming at every visit across all major funds
Children’s frames range	Good general selection at most practices	Dedicated No Gap children’s range plus quality and designer options under one roof
Sports eyewear for kids	Available on request at some practices	A specific focus area — sports glasses and contact lenses for young athletes of all levels
Prescription children’s sunglasses	Orderable at most practices	Stocked in-practice with full UV protection options ready to view and try
Contact lens supply	In-practice supply at most locations	In-practice fitting and supply plus online ordering with free home delivery
Continuity of care	Depends on staff availability and rostering	The same familiar team across visits — they know your child and your family history

Meet the Team

Our team brings together qualified optometrists and experienced optical dispensers
who care about getting things right for every person
who walks through our door

Ilan

Practising Optometry

Chantelle

Optometrist

Ivana

Optical Dispenser

Michele

Optical Dispenser

About Drummoyne Optometry

Over 30 Years Caring for This
Community

Drummoyne Optometry is an independent practice, and that makes a genuine difference to the experience you have here. Because we are not part of a corporate chain, every recommendation we make is based entirely on what is right for you. There are no sales targets, no quotas, and no pressure.

Over three decades, we have looked after individuals, families, and professionals across Drummoyne, Five Dock, Rozelle, Balmain, Concord, Leichhardt, and the wider inner-west Sydney community.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old should my child be for their first eye exam?

There is no minimum age. Most optometrists suggest a first check around age three or four, before school starts. That said, if you have a concern about a younger child, come in sooner. We can assess vision in children who cannot yet read a chart, and earlier is always better when it comes to catching problems before they affect development.

My child passed the school screening. Are their eyes fine?

Not necessarily. School screenings are a basic filter and they are useful, but they do not assess how the eyes work together, focusing stamina, eye tracking, or internal eye health. A child can pass a school check and still have a vision issue affecting their learning and comfort. A comprehensive eye test at our Drummoyne practice gives you the full picture.

What if my child is too young or too nervous to read letters?

This comes up regularly, and our optometrists are well practised at working around it. We use picture-based tests, objective measurement techniques, and calm, patient communication that gets accurate results without relying on your child to read aloud or sit perfectly still. A nervous or non-verbal child can still receive a thorough examination with us.

Will my child definitely need glasses after the exam?

Not at all. Many parents come in concerned and leave completely reassured. If glasses are recommended, we will explain exactly why, what the glasses will do, and what the realistic options are. There is no pressure at any point. You will leave with honest information and time to make the right decision for your child.

How much does a children’s eye test cost?

Children under 16 are eligible for a Medicare rebate on their eye examination in Australia. We process Medicare claims on the spot so you receive your rebate immediately. For families with private health insurance, we offer on-the-spot HICAPS claiming as well. Please call us before your visit and we will walk you through the costs clearly so there are no surprises.

My child hates wearing their glasses. What can we do?

This usually comes down to fit or how the child feels about their appearance in the frames. Both are things we can help with. A properly fitted frame sits correctly, feels comfortable, and stays in place. Our range of children’s glasses frames also means your child gets to choose something they actually like, which makes a real difference to how consistently they wear them.

How often should my child have their eyes checked?

Every two years is a general guide for children with no known vision issues. Children who already wear glasses or have a diagnosed condition may need more frequent visits, particularly during growth periods when prescriptions can change quickly. We will always recommend the right schedule for your child at the end of each appointment.

Can too much screen time harm my child’s vision?

There is growing evidence linking extended close work, including screen use, with the development of myopia in children. Encouraging outdoor time, building in regular breaks, and monitoring screen habits all appear to help. If this is something you are concerned about, raise it during the appointment and we will give you practical, grounded guidance.

One of my child’s eyes seems to turn in or out. Should I act quickly?

Yes, please book promptly. An eye that turns in or out is something we want to assess without delay. Conditions like strabismus and amblyopia respond much better to early treatment. Do not wait and see on this one. Call us and we will get your child in as soon as possible.

We live nearby but not in Drummoyne. Can we still come to you?

Absolutely. Many of our patients travel from Rozelle, Balmain, Five Dock, Concord, Leichhardt, and other parts of the inner west to see us. If you are looking for an experienced, independent practice that puts your child first, we would genuinely love to look after your family. Give us a call and we can answer any questions before you make the trip.