Vision is an important part of a child’s development and having eye exams from a young age is essential. Young children can’t always tell you if they have a problem with their vision, so having an eye exam is the best way to make sure their eye health is good.

The importance of eye exams

Children rely on vision for much of their learning – not just reading and writing, but watching adults and other children around them and learning from them. If a child has a problem with their vision, they may not realise it, and they may think what they experience is normal. That’s why we advise bringing your children for regular eye exams from the age of 4 or sooner if you suspect there could be an issue with their sight.

What to expect

As a family opticians, we are experienced in dealing with young patients and tailor our children’s eye exams to make it easy for them. It takes around 25-30 minutes and we’ll test their visual acuity (how well they can see) as well as do tests that ensure their eyes work well together and are healthy.

NHS eye tests are free for children up to the age of 16 (up to 18 if in full-time education), and NHS optical vouchers are available to help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses for children.

Vision correction for children

We stock a range of children’s eyewear with brands aimed at making durable frames that kids love to wear. We also fit contact lenses for children as young as 10. We find that children adapt to contacts well and many prefer them.

If your child is short-sighted, also known as myopic, we can offer specialist contact lenses or glasses that are designed to slow the progression of myopia.

Signs to look out for

Between eye exams, it’s a good idea to look out for signs that your child may be having eye problems. Things to watch out for include:

• Frequent headaches
• Rubbing eyes, squinting or blinking a lot
• Poor coordination
• Avoiding reading and writing
• Sitting very close to the TV or holding books very close to their face
• Problems at school with behaviour or concentration.

Book your child’s eye exam to ensure their vision is monitored and protected.

Contact us to schedule your appointment

Request an Appointment Online or Call Us (01689 831726) to schedule an appointment or to learn more about how we help our patients.