Poor vision can hinder a child’s development as up to 90 percent of what a child can learn is from what they see.
Children should have regular eye examinations from around the age of three years old, or earlier if you think your child has a visual problem. It is recommended children have their eyes tested before starting school and worth noting that children do not need to know their letters in order to complete the test as pictures can be used as an alternative.
It is even possible to test babies eyes with a specialised preferential looking technique. Ruth, one of our Optometrists at Radcliffe, has a wealth of experience with children and baby eye examinations having worked for many years at the children’s eye clinic at the QMC.
Some signs and symptoms that may indicate your child has an eyesight problem are;
- Regular headaches
- Poor behaviour or concentration at school
- Screwing or rubbing up eyes
- One eye turning in, out, up or down
- Blinking frequently
- A white pupil reflex seen on photographs can be a sign of a serious eye disease
Why eye checks are important
The sooner any eye problem is found, the sooner you and your child will be able to get any treatment and support needed.
Children may not realise they have a vision problem so, without routine tests, there’s a risk a problem may not be spotted. This may affect their development and education.
All children can have an NHS-funded sight test once a year if needed and more often if clinically necessary. NHS Vouchers subsidise the purchase of spectacles for children at a level that reflects the cost and type of prescription needed.
Children’s Frames
We stock a large range of children’s and teenage frames including the Tomato Glasses frame range for the very young children which have adjustable curl sides which can be adjusted as your child grows and keeps the frame really secure.