MODEL RELEASED. Squint test. A paediatrician carries out a squint test (cover test) on a baby boy, using her hand to cover one eye and a torch to attract his gaze. This test is performed to detect a suppressed squint (strabismus) in children. The child looks steadily at an object while an observer covers one eye. The cover is then quickly withdrawn and the newly uncovered eye watched for sideways movement, which occurs when a squinting eye corrects its focus. Squints cause double vision and can lead to permanent loss of sight in one eye if left untreated. Treatment includes surgery, special glasses and wearing a patch over the dominant eye.