If there is one thing you must do with your children during the school holidays, it is book them in for an eye test.

You’ve got six weeks to enjoy a family holiday and sunny days out with family and friends but making time for an eye test is really important.

At any age, eyesight problems can develop so it is a good idea to start early and get your children’s eyes checked to reduce the possibilities of potential sight issues. If you don’t want to miss precious term time, the summer holidays are a good time to get an appointment in your diary.

The UK National Screening Committee recommends that screening of children eyes should be offered to all youngsters between the ages of four and five years old. At this time in their lives, children can begin to show signs of ocular problems and a routine eye test can pick it up. So, before you get busy with the children and start planning activities, book an appointment with us.

According to the UK National Screening Committee, an early eye test can diagnose a condition called amblyopia (lazy eye), which is when the eye doesn’t work properly even though it appears normal. It is the main problem found by screening in this age group.

Treatment by covering the good eye with a patch has been shown to help correct sight in the affected eye, but it is something that can only be discovered at an eye examination.

Eye Health

Healthy eyesight – especially when children are working every day in a busy classroom – is important. Schools don’t always check for vision problems so as a parent, it’s your job to ensure your children’s eye tests are up to date.

Regular eye tests for children are the best way to spot vision problems in children and remember a sight test is free. Afterwards, if they need glasses, the NHS provides a voucher towards the cost of them.

The Association of Optometrists recommend children under the age of 16 should have their sight tested by an optometrist at least every two years.

At our practice, we’re only too happy to talk to you about your children’s eyesight. We have an extensive range of children’s frames, so if the result of your child’s eye exam means that your child need glasses, we have plenty of options.

The benefits of an eye test

It’s proven that a sight issue can have an impact on a young person’s social development and learning. A non-diagnosis can lead to problems and that’s why it is important to get your child’s eyes checked.

A report by The Association of Optometrists found an estimated 13 per cent of UK children may have undiagnosed common sight problems that affect their work in school. That equates to about three children in an average class.

Contact lenses for children

Children CAN wear contact lenses. There is absolutely no reason why they can’t start wearing them. As long as they are suitable, can use them correctly and know how to keep them clean, we are happy to prescribe them.

We’ve found that children from around the age of 10 or 11, can cope with wearing contact lenses but it is more common for youngsters to switch in their teenage years.

Contact lenses move with your eye, allowing a natural field of view. Obviously, they have no frames to obstruct your vision and some children find this hugely advantageous.

Unlike glasses, they do not fog up, get splattered by mud or rain which can be useful if your child enjoys playing sport.

During an eye test, we’ll tell you whether we think contact lenses will work for your child. Our fully trained optical assistants will talk through the process and will spend time helping children practice putting them in and taking them out.

There’s something else to consider too. There are two different types of contact lenses to choose from. Reusable lenses can be used for up to 30 days and are probably the most popular, but you can also choose to have dailies, which are worn and thrown away at the end of the day.

The daily option is often a good start for children who want to trial contact lenses because they can get used to fitting them and not worry about the cleaning process that come with having reusable lenses.

Book your appointment now

Book your appointment with us today. Whether you need a routine eye test for your child, are concerned about your children’s eyes or want to discuss the possibilities of contact lenses, we’re here for you.

Ask the experts and you’ll be doing the absolute best for your children. You’ll also be assured that your child’s vision has been fully checked in time for the new school year in September.