children's eye tests

Any age really. A child’s eyes have finished developing by the time they are about eight years old. Many health authorities screen children in their area at around three years of age, but if you are concerned, or if there are any members of your family with eye problems, then it’s best to have your child’s eyes tested. an answer to this item.

Don't worry if your child does not know their letters, there are many different ways to check their eyesight and we can show them pictures and videos to assess their vision

Under the NHS, an eye examination is available without charge, for all children up to the age of 16, and under 19 if they are in full-time education. As an indication of the importance of children's sight care, only a qualified practitioner - an optometrist or dispensing optician registered with the General Optical Council, or a registered medical practitioner - is permitted by law to supply children's spectacles.All our staff who supply children's spectacles are qualified to do so. Following an eye examination, parents are entitled to a voucher towards the cost of any glasses or contact lenses prescribed. The value of the voucher will be determined by the prescription needed

If the time comes when a child needs to wear glasses, this need not be seen as a disadvantage. The wide variety of spectacle frames now available for children are comfortable and practical as well as stylish. They are well designed and attractive, with features such as adjustable nose pads and saddle bridges for small, unformed noses, and spring hinges for durability and comfort. Plastic lenses are recommended for children, being lighter and safer than glass, and these can be treated with anti-scratch coatings for durability. We are proud to have a large selection of children's frames and sunglasses, some of which are completely free under the NHS voucher system (see above 'What is available under the NHS)

Absolutely! In fact our youngest contact lens wearer started at age 6! Parents must be aware of the high level of care required to keep their lenses clean and safe, as well as the need for frequent check-ups to keep their eyes healthy.We will normally consider each child on their own merit with regards to their suitability to contact lens wear. Our Night Lens range are particularly suitable for children as lenses are only worn at home under parents supervision. They are also great to help slow down short sight. CLICK HERE for more information about our night lenses. CLICK HERE to find out more about children and short sight

Although some children are checked at school, it is not a full eye test. Their distance vision is normally checked but this will not detect all levels of long-sight. Short sight and large squints may be detected, but the school checks are not usually carried out by an eye care professional. For a full Eye test you should take your child to a registered Optometrist. If left undetected for too long, some sight defects cannot be corrected

Your child should have an eye examination if they show any of the symptoms below if your child is under 16 the eye test is FREE

• Gets frustrated when reading
• Closes or covers one eye
• Poor handwriting
• Screws up eyes or frowns to see
• Rubs eyes and blinks a lot
• Finds it difficult to copy words from the blackboard
• Complains that things are blurry or hard to see
• Short attention span; gazes out of the window
• Frequently looses place when reading
• Skips words or whole lines of text

All children under the age of 16 are entitled to a free eye examination, paid for by the NHS

Children under 16 are advised to have an eye examination every 12 months. If your child wears spectacles,or has a history of eye problems, they may be needed to be seen more frequently.