Children’s eye exams in Dubai: A crucial step before the school bell rings
As the new school year begins across the UAE, parents are busy checking off their back-to-school lists: uniforms, supplies, timetables, and lunchboxes. But one important area is often overlooked which is their child’s vision.
Good eyesight is essential not only for reading the board or completing homework but also for building confidence, participating in activities, and staying focused in class. Studies show that up to 80% of classroom learning is visual, which means that undetected vision problems can significantly impact a child’s development and academic progress.
Children may not always realise they have a vision problem, and as a result, they often do not speak up. This makes early detection through regular, comprehensive eye examinations especially important.
At Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, we believe that A+ vision builds more than academic success; it builds A+ confidence, A+ independence, and A+ enthusiasm for learning. This back-to-school season, our message is simple: Set their sight for success.
In this blog, three of our leading paediatric ophthalmologists share expert insights on common eye conditions that can affect learning, and what parents can do to ensure their children start the academic year with clear vision and confidence.
Myopia in school aged children
By Dr Imran Jawaid, Consultant Ophthalmologist in Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Surgery
Myopia, or short-sightedness, is a common vision condition in which distant objects appear blurry, while near objects remain clear. In the classroom, this can mean a child may struggle to read the board, recognise faces from a distance, or participate confidently in lessons. It is one of the most common causes of vision problems in school-aged children and its prevalence is increasing among younger age groups in the UAE.
Rise of myopia
Children today are spending more time on screens and less time outdoors, placing their eyes under prolonged near-vision stress. In Dubai, the rise of indoor digital learning and increased screen time at home has further contributed to this increase. According to the World Health Organization, it is estimated that by 2050, nearly 50% of the global population will be affected by myopia, making early detection and management more important than ever.
Impact on school performance
When a child cannot see clearly at a distance, they may miss out on vital information in class. This can lead to disengagement, academic difficulty, and changes in behaviour. Our aim is to help your child stay focused, participate fully, and perform at their best in the classroom.
Signs of Myopia:
- Difficulty seeing the board
- Sitting too close to the TV or devices
- Complaints of blurry distance vision
- Eye strain and headaches after school
Treatment options:
- Prescription Glasses
- Myopia Control Lenses
- Low-dose Atropine Eye Drops
- Daily Outdoor Play
Effectively managing myopia is not just about improving how a child sees the world, it is about supporting their ability to learn, interact, and grow with confidence. When a child can see clearly, especially at a distance, they are more likely to remain attentive, follow instructions from the board, and feel confident in peer interactions.
Learn more about myopia and its management
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
By Dr Salma Yassine, Specialist in Paediatric Ophthalmology and Adult & Paediatric Neuro-ophthalmology
Amblyopia, or lazy eye, is a condition in which the brain favours one eye over the other, causing the weaker eye to develop poor vision. It is because children often rely on their stronger eye, the issue can go undetected without a specialist eye exam.
The impact of Amblyopia on children
Amblyopia reduces depth perception and can make reading, writing, and even physical coordination more difficult. A child with amblyopia may avoid tasks like sports, drawing, or puzzles, not because of lack of interest, but because their vision makes those tasks harder. Over time, this can impact their confidence and academic performance.
Signs of Lazy Eyes:
- Eye turning in or out
- Head tilting
- Clumsiness or lack of interest in fine motor activities
- Reading avoidance or skipping lines
Treatment options:
- Eye Patching
- Corrective Lenses
- Atropine Drops
Amblyopia is most treatable during early childhood. Left untreated, the weaker eye may never develop normal vision, limiting a child’s potential at school and beyond.
By addressing amblyopia early, we help ensure that a child does not face avoidable barriers in school. Supporting healthy vision gives children the clarity and confidence they need to thrive.
Discover more about amblyopia and treatments
Strabismus (Squint)
Strabismus, or squint, is a condition where the eyes do not align properly. Although it may appear cosmetic, it affects how the eyes work together and how the brain processes visual input. In school, it can cause double vision, poor depth perception, and challenges with reading, writing, or sports.
How squints can affect learning and confidence
Children with strabismus may face several challenges in the classroom. They might struggle to copy from the board, avoid reading tasks, or have difficulty catching or tracking moving objects during sports or play. In some cases, the visible misalignment of the eyes can lead to social discomfort, which may affect the child’s confidence and willingness to participate in class activities.
Signs of squints
- Crossed or wandering eyes
- Head tilting
- Eye strain complaints
- Lack of interest in visual tasks
Treatment Options:
- Glasses or Prism Lenses
- Vision Therapy
- Eye Patching (if amblyopia is involved)
- Strabismus Surgery
When properly treated, strabismus can be significantly improved. This can enhance visual function, classroom confidence, and social ease. Children often show increased engagement with reading, copying from the board, and group activities. For some, correcting misalignment also reduces anxiety about how they appear to peers.
Read more about strabismus and available treatments
Set your child’s sight for a Successful School Year
This back-to-school season, ensure your child is not held back by a condition that can be treated or managed with expert care.
At Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, we are here to help your child see clearly, learn confidently, and thrive. Our dedicated paediatric department brings together specialised ophthalmologists, orthoptists, and optometrists who work collaboratively to support every child’s visual development. We offer a calm, child-friendly environment and a cooperative approach that puts both the child and their family at ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
- At what age should my child first see an eye specialist? Children should ideally have their first comprehensive eye examination by the age of three. Early checks help detect issues such as refractive errors, lazy eye (amblyopia), or eye alignment problems before they affect a child’s development. An additional exam before starting school ensures their vision is ready for academic activities. After that, regular follow-ups every one to two years are recommended to monitor eye health as they grow.
- My child never complains about their eyesight. Could there still be a problem? Yes. Many children assume their vision is normal and may not express any difficulty. Conditions like amblyopia or strabismus can be present without obvious symptoms. Routine eye examinations are essential to identify issues early — before they begin to impact a child’s learning, behaviour, or confidence in the classroom.
- How can I help protect my child’s eyesight as they grow? Supporting your child’s visual health includes a balance of habits and preventive care. Encourage regular outdoor play (at least 90 minutes daily), limit screen time, and promote breaks during close-up tasks such as reading or device use. A nutritious diet and routine eye check-ups with a specialist are also key to identifying any changes in vision and managing them early.
- Will treatments like patching or eye drops affect school routines? In most cases, no. Treatment plans such as patching or using atropine drops are designed to fit into a child’s daily routine with minimal disruption. Most children continue with school as usual, and teachers can be informed to provide discreet support if needed. Our team works closely with families to make each treatment plan practical and manageable.
- Is vision therapy effective for classroom-related challenges? Yes, particularly for children with amblyopia, eye coordination difficulties, or certain types of strabismus. Vision therapy involves structured exercises that improve how the eyes work together. These activities are often designed to feel like games, making them engaging for children while helping improve reading fluency, focus, and classroom confidence.
- How do I know if my child needs glasses? Some children may show signs like squinting, frequent eye rubbing, holding objects too close, or sitting very near the television. However, not all vision problems are obvious. A comprehensive eye exam is the best way to determine whether your child needs glasses and to ensure their visual development is on track.
- Why does my child see an optometrist, orthoptist, and ophthalmologist? We take a team-based approach to children’s eye care to ensure every child receives a thorough and personalised assessment. Each specialist plays a different but complementary role:
- The optometrist assesses your child’s vision and checks whether glasses are needed.
- The orthoptist examines how the eyes move and work together, particularly in cases of squint (strabismus) or lazy eye (amblyopia).
- The ophthalmologist, a medical doctor, evaluates eye health and provides a final diagnosis, as well as medical or surgical treatment if required.
This collaborative model allows us to build a complete picture of your child’s vision, ensuring nothing is missed and treatment plans are both accurate and effective.