t’s never too early to start taking care of your child’s eyesight and most health authorities will test children from around three years onwards. However, if you are concerned that there may be a problem with your child’s eyes it’s strongly advised that you have their eyes tested earlier as the quicker a problem is detected the more effectively it can be treated.

A child’s eye examination is not the same as an adults and special tests have been devised for very young children. The eye examination is completely safe and will not hurt your child in any way.

If you discover that your child needs glasses they will have a wide variety of frames to choose from with designs ranging from children’s favourite cartoon characters to colourful ranges to encourage children to adapt to the glasses straight away which any parent who remembers the ranges available when they were children will breathe a sigh of relief at.

Children’s glasses have features such as adjustable nose pads and saddle bridges for small, unformed noses as well as having spring hinges for increased comfort. Plastic lenses are strongly recommended for children as they are lighter and safer than glass and can also be treated with anti-scratch coatings for durability.

Young children would only be prescribed contact lenses for special conditions and further advice about this option can be obtained from your optician. Older children can wear contact lenses but both the child and the parent should be aware of the high level of care needed to keep contact lenses clean and safe as well as the need for frequent check ups.

Under the NHS an eye examination is available free of charge for all children right up to the age of 16 ,and up to the age of 19 if they are in full-time education.

Following an eye examination, parents are entitled to a voucher towards the cost of any glasses or contact lenses prescribed for their child. The voucher’s value will depend on the kind of prescription required.

For more information on all aspects of eye care for both children and adults please contact your
local optician.