Vision & Age

Eye Test

How well do you see?

Find out for yourself how good your vision really is. All you need is a friend and a few minutes. While this is not a substitute for a complete eye exam by a doctor, it may help you discover a vision problem that requires professional attention.

Testing

  1. Print out the Children's Eye Chart.

  2. Tape it on a bare, windowless wall approximately 3 feet from the ground.

  3. Have your child sit in a chair 10 feet from the wall.
  4. Holding a cover (such as a handkerchief or paper cup) over one eye, use a flashlight to point at each of the "E's," starting with the largest. Ask your child to point in the same direction as the E.
  5. Record the number, such as 20/40, of the smallest line your child can see correctly.

  6. Repeat steps four and five with the other eye. If your child is too tired you may wish to do this later.