Frequently Asked Questions
Will my child get their eyes tested in primary 1?
No. This test replaces the eye test in primary 1. There are no longer eye tests carried out in school.
I have decided my child isn’t starting school until next year, will he/she get their eyes checked then instead?
No. The orthoptists work each year by date of birth, therefore all eligible children are checked and it does not matter when they are starting school. Your child would therefore not get tested the following year as he/she would be classed as “too old”. Here are some examples;
Nursery year 2014–2015: Date of Birth between 01/03/2010–28/02/2011
Nursery year 2015–2016: Date of Birth between 01/03/2011–29/02/2012
Nursery year 2016–2017: Date of Birth between 01/03/2012–28/02/2013
Nursery year 2014–2015: Date of Birth between 01/03/2010–28/02/2011
Nursery year 2015–2016: Date of Birth between 01/03/2011–29/02/2012
Nursery year 2016–2017: Date of Birth between 01/03/2012–28/02/2013
Can I go to my own optician?
Yes, however there is a large variation in the tests used by optometrists outwith the hospital setting. Therefore some vision tests that are used can over estimate the vision of children at this age.
The Scottish Government recommendations are that all children are assessed by an orthoptist or someone trained by an orthoptist.
The Scottish Government recommendations are that all children are assessed by an orthoptist or someone trained by an orthoptist.
I haven’t noticed any problems with my child’s eyes do they still need their eyes tested?
Yes. Amblyopia can cause the vision to be reduced in one eye and there would be no way for you to notice this during day to day activities. This would only be detected if one eye was covered. Treatment of amblyopia needs to be carried out when the child is as young as possible to make sure the vision has time to be treated.
What if I don’t want my child to have their eyes tested?
Please complete the vision screening questionnaire that you will be given by your nursery and leave it with your child’s teacher. If your child does not attend nursery please contact us on the telephone number on your appointment letter and notify us that you are withdrawing from the service.
Your screening contacts in Tayside are:
Mrs Lee Pentland
Advanced Orthoptist
Tel: 01382 632992
Miss Claire Gilmour
Head Orthoptist
Tel: 01382 632992
Advanced Orthoptist
Tel: 01382 632992
Miss Claire Gilmour
Head Orthoptist
Tel: 01382 632992
