Children’s eye health 👧🏻👦🏼👧🏽👦🏻
Did you know there are an estimated one million children with an undiagnosed vision problem?
Here are some frequently asked questions ....
1. When should my child visit the optometrist? Although the UK National Screening Committee recommends screening at age four to five years, there are many optometrists who will see children much younger than this for a sight test. We recommend that children have a sight test around the age of three, so that conditions are picked up and treated early. After the first test it is a good idea to return every two years, or as recommended by your optometrist.
2. Paying for a sight test Children under the age of 16 are entitled to NHS-funded sight tests (covering the cost of a sight test), plus an optical voucher, which entitles you help towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses if required.
3.What can I do if I don’t want my child to wear glasses? If you’re reluctant for your child to wear glasses, it’s important to remember that some children need a visual correction in order for their vision to develop normally and to achieve their full potential. The good news is, there is now a much wider range of attractive frames to choose from and less stigma attached to wearing glasses. Some children may even be disappointed when told they don’t need to wear glasses.
4. What else can I do to look after my child’s eyes?
Get them outdoors – regular play and exercise can help with eye health. Studies show two hours of outdoor activity a day is ideal for healthy eyes
Make sure they eat healthily and drink enough fluids
Protect their eyes from the sun – never let them look directly into the sun and make sure they always wear good-quality sunglasses with the ‘CE’ quality mark and the British Standard BS EN 1836:2005
These children from p1 and p2 were able to tell me about all the things they do to keep their eyes healthy. Again all children should be having regular eye examinations even if they do not wear glasses.