Children’s Eye Care
Looking after your child’s eye health from an early age is not only crucial for their development but it can help prevent conditions from occurring at a later age. With regular exam examinations we can monitor your child’s eyesight and help protect and preserve their vision. It is important that your child receives frequent check-ups because as they grow their eyesight can alter more often than adults. Good vision isn’t something that is achieved, it is the result of a journey, and we can help you and your child along the way.
Why Are Eye Exams Important for Children?
It is essential to observe children’s eye health as they grow because any problems that are left uncorrected can lead to more serious issues later in life, such as vision loss. It can also impair their quality of learning at school by limiting how much of the whiteboard they can see and how much of their textbooks they can read. This in turn may lead to behavioural and attention issues, caused by frustration and irritability. Problems with your child’s eyes can also affect their general health.
During our eye exams we also check for colour vision deficiency. Commonly known as colour blindness, we know how important it is to check for any signs of this at an early age. It is typically something that you are born with and that will affect you throughout life. Diagnosing it early allows us to discuss the impacts this may have, especially when it comes to career choices and how it may affect your child’s learning. Being aware of it makes it easier to live with and we’ll be there every step of the way.
When Does My Child Need an Exam?
Infants
If you have any concerns, infants can be tested. This will allow an optometrist to check that your child is hitting their developmental milestones.
It will also ensure that any issues are addressed before they start to learn to read and write.
Preschool (3 – 5 Years)
We recommend that most children visit an optometrist when they are of preschool age before they start to read and write.
This allows us to provide prompt treatment if needed and prevent unnecessary deterioration.
School-Age (6 – 17 Years)
At this age children should have eye examinations annually. However, this can depend on the quality of their eyesight during these years.
Your child will be undertaking increasingly stressful tasks, so it is important to ensure issues with their eyesight don’t hold them back.
Signs to Look Out For
Being of a younger age it may be difficult for your child to understand when there is an issue with their eyesight. However, there are a few symptoms that you can look out for that may indicate a problem. If they show any of the following symptoms, please book an appointment with us a soon as possible so that we can check for anything concerning:
- Frequent rubbing of the eyes
- Increased amount of blinking
- Eyes appearing red or sore
- Text or images appearing blurry
- Squinting whilst watching TV
- Holding books too close
- Avoidance of reading activities
- Complaining of fatigue or discomfort
Signs to Look Out For
Being of a younger age it may be difficult for your child to understand when there is an issue with their eyesight. However, there are a few symptoms that you can look out for that may indicate a problem. If they show any of the following symptoms, please book an appointment with us a soon as possible so that we can check for anything concerning:
- Frequent rubbing of the eyes
- Increased amount of blinking
- Eyes appearing red or sore
- Text or images appearing blurry
- Squinting whilst watching TV
- Holding books too close
- Avoidance of reading activities
- Complaining of fatigue or discomfort
Our Children’s Eyecare Ranges
At Nu-Sight we know how important it is to choose the right frames for your child. We’ll take the time to talk you through the options and allow you to choose ones that you think will be the most suitable. We know that every child is different and believe that it is important that each opticians experience should be tailored to them.
We carry a wide selection of eyewear ranges that include specially selected frames that are designed to be robust and survive the rough and tumble of everyday life. They are made using high-quality materials to ensure that they will last until your child grows out of them. We will also take the time to make sure that they fit your child perfectly to provide optimal comfort throughout the school day.
Free Examinations for Children
Did you know that children are eligible for free NHS-funded eye examinations each year until they turn 16? These are also available for children under the age of 19 providing that they are still in full-time education. If you would like to make an appointment you, please call us on 01296 398 941 to speak to a member of our team. Or you can use our online contact form and we will contact you to arrange your appointment with you.
Free Examinations for Children
Did you know that children are eligible for free NHS-funded eye examinations each year until they turn 16? These are also available for children under the age of 19 providing that they are still in full-time education. If you would like to make an appointment you, please call us on 01296 398 941 to speak to a member of our team. Or you can use our online contact form and we will contact you to arrange your appointment with you.
Book an Appointment
Booking your essential eye examination with our friendly and experienced team is simple.