Preliminary Vision Screening for Children: Early Detection of Eye Problems
- The Straits Eye Centre
- Sep 15
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 26
Why Early Detection Matters for Your Child’s Vision
Children’s eyes grow and change rapidly, especially in the first decade of life. Some vision problems develop slowly and without obvious symptoms, which means your child may not realise they can’t see clearly. By the time symptoms are noticeable, the condition may already be advanced.
Preliminary Vision Screening for Children is designed to identify eye issues such as myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), astigmatism, amblyopia (lazy eye), and strabismus (eye misalignment) early, often before they affect school performance, social interaction, or long-term vision health.
Early detection leads to early intervention, and that can make the difference between a lifelong vision problem and a lifetime of clear sight.
What Is a Preliminary Vision Screening?
A preliminary vision screening is a quick, specialist-led check of your child’s vision and eye alignment. It’s not as comprehensive as a full eye health assessment, but it’s an essential first step in protecting your child’s vision.
What We Check For
Myopia (Short-sightedness): Blurred distance vision, now affecting more than 80% of young adults in Singapore, often starting in primary school.
Hyperopia (Long-sightedness): Clear distance vision but difficulty focusing up close, which can affect reading and classroom tasks.
Astigmatism: Blurred vision at all distances caused by an irregular corneal or lens shape.
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): Reduced vision in one eye due to disrupted visual development, best treated before age 7–8.
Strabismus (Eye Misalignment): Eyes that point in different directions, affecting depth perception and potentially leading to amblyopia.
Signs Your Child May Need a Vision Check
While all children benefit from regular screenings, some warning signs should prompt you to book sooner:
Squinting, tilting the head, or covering one eye when focusing
Sitting very close to screens or holding books close to the face
Complaints of headaches, eye strain, or blurred vision
Eyes that appear to cross, drift, or turn outwards
Avoidance of reading or close work
Slow reading or frequent loss of place in text
Preliminary Vision Screening for children at The Straits Eye Centre
Our approach is child-friendly, quick, and accurate, making it suitable even for very young children.
Step 1: History and Symptom Review
We ask about your child’s visual habits, any complaints they’ve expressed, and your family’s history of eye conditions.
Step 2: Visual Acuity Testing
We measure vision using age-appropriate methods, from picture charts for younger children to letter charts for older ones.
Step 3: Eye Alignment Assessment
Using light reflex and cover tests, we check if the eyes are properly aligned and working together.
Step 4: Specialist Feedback
You’ll receive a clear explanation of the findings, plus advice on whether your child needs further testing or treatment.
Why Choose The Straits Eye Centre for Your Child’s Screening
Paediatric expertise: Our screenings are led by doctors with extensive training in children’s vision.
Comfort-focused care: Assessments are designed to be quick and stress-free for young patients.
Parent partnership: We guide you step-by-step, ensuring you understand results and next steps.
Early action: We aim to catch and manage conditions before they affect learning or development.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should my child have a preliminary vision screening?
The Health Promotion Board in Singapore recommends screenings at preschool entry and at Primary 1. However, if there is a family history of myopia, strabismus, or other eye issues, screenings every 6–12 months are advisable. Rapid changes in vision can occur during growth spurts, so regular monitoring is key.
2. Is preliminary screening enough to diagnose an eye condition?
No. Preliminary screenings are designed to flag possible issues. If we detect a concern, your child will need a comprehensive eye health assessment. This includes detailed refraction tests, slit-lamp examination, and possibly pupil dilation to assess internal eye health.
3. At what age should my child first be screened?
We recommend the first screening by age 3, even if there are no symptoms. Early screenings can detect congenital conditions like amblyopia or strabismus, which respond best to treatment before school age.
4. Does screening hurt or involve eye drops?
Preliminary screenings are completely non-invasive and painless. We do not use eye drops unless there is a clinical need for further testing. This makes it comfortable for even the youngest children.
5. What happens if a problem is detected?
If screening results indicate a possible issue, we will:
Explain the findings in clear, parent-friendly terms.
Recommend a full assessment to confirm the diagnosis.
Outline the likely treatment pathway, such as glasses, patching, or vision therapy for amblyopia, or myopia control strategies.
6. How long does the screening take?
Most screenings are completed within 15–20 minutes, depending on your child’s age and cooperation. We encourage parents to prepare their child by explaining that the visit will be quick and easy.
7. Is it covered by Medisave or insurance?
Medisave generally does not cover standalone screenings. However, some private insurance wellness plans may include paediatric vision checks. If treatment is required afterward, certain procedures and consultations may be claimable under Medisave or insurance.
8. What’s the difference between preliminary screening and comprehensive assessment?
Preliminary screening checks for key indicators of vision problems, while a comprehensive assessment examines the eye’s full structure, focusing ability, and health. The latter is more in-depth and is necessary if the initial screening shows any abnormal findings.
Meet Our Specialist
At The Straits Eye Centre, your vision care is in the hands of a dedicated team of experienced ophthalmologists. Each of our doctors brings unique expertise and a shared commitment to delivering thorough, patient-focused care for all ages. Whether you need advanced cataract surgery, paediatric eye management, or treatment for complex eye conditions, our team works together to provide the same attentive care we would want for our own families.
Dr Audrey Pang
Consultant Eye Surgeon
Special interest: Paediatric Ophthalmology, Myopia Control, Amblyopia, Strabismus Trained at the University of Cambridge and fellowship-trained in the UK, Dr Audrey Pang specialises in children’s eye care and adult strabismus. She has held roles at Tan Tock Seng Hospital and serves as Visiting Consultant at TTSH and NUH, offering gentle, evidence-based care for patients of all ages.
Cost, Medisave, and Insurance
Many procedures at The Straits Eye Centre are eligible for Medisave claims under MOH guidelines, and certain insurance plans may cover part or all of your treatment costs. Our patient care team will guide you through eligibility, claim limits, and paperwork, so you can focus on your recovery. For more details, refer to our Medisave & Insurance Guide.
Secure Your Appointment at The Straits Eye Centre
at Parkway East Hospital
Your vision health deserves timely and professional attention. Book your appointment now at our Parkway East Hospital clinic and take the first step towards clearer, healthier sight.
