parents frequently asked questions

When’s the right age for that all important first eye exam?
Children can actually be examined at any age. Your child's first eye check is usually a post-natal check at age 1. It is then recommended that an Optometrist sees your child before they start school and learning to read. This eye test helps to pick up any problems that could lead to sight problems causing poor learning development at school. Children's eyes are fully developed by the time they are 8 years old and it is very important to detect any problems before this. Remember that the earlier a problem is detected the more chance there is of successful treatment.

What’s involved in my child’s eye exam?
At Blink Opticians we’ll use various special instruments and techniques that vary according to your child's age and stage of development. We’ll use an ophthalmoscope to check the health of your child’s eyes - this is a quick, non contact examination. Special charts are used to enhance the diagnosis process and don’t worry if your child doesn't know, or is unsure of the alphabet because shapes or picture books can be used instead.

A retinscope is used to check whether your child needs any kind of lenses to correct their sight so that your child doesn’t have to answer any questions. The process is quick and painless, and is really just like looking into a bright light. Each eye will be checked separately, and then both your child’s eyes will be checked again to see if they work properly together. We’ll then discuss any eye problems your child may be experiencing. We’ll also ask about your whole family's eyesight. All in all it’s a simple, non stressful experience for you and your child.

Don’t primary schools offer eye checks?
Only 60% of schools provide eye examinations through the local health board. However, these are not a full eye examination nor are they carried out by an eye care professional. For a full eye test bring your child into Blink Opticians. Remember that if sight defects are left undetected for too long, sometimes they cannot be corrected.

How much will a child’s eye examination and glasses cost?
Good news - all children under 16 qualify for an NHS voucher entitling them to a free eye examination. If your child needs glasses they also automatically qualify for an NHS voucher that enables them to choose free frames from a selected range. For an additional charge, they can choose frames from the other exciting children's glasses you’ll find at Blink Opticians.

What if my child needs glasses?
It's very important to select the right frame and lenses for your child. Good fitting glasses and the right lenses will help to ensure your child enjoys quality vision. It’s important to understand that children's features are different to adults because they are constantly growing. Your child’s bridge does not develop until they are seven years old so at this stage it’s all about comfort and good fit, ensuring your child’s glasses do not ‘mould’ their nose.

At Blink Opticians we offer curl sides for comfort and ease of use and soft comfort bridges that won’t ‘mould’ their little noses.

Don't forget that you'll receive NHS vouchers towards the cost of your child's glasses.

What can I do to stop my child breaking their glasses?
It’s quite understandable that children's glasses can take a bit of a beating and you can purchase toughened glasses to help avoid broken glasses. Following the simple steps below can help your child’s glasses last longer:

• Teach your child to take off their glasses with both hands to stop them bending out of shape
• Teach them never put their glasses lens down as they may scratch
• Teach your child to keep their glasses in a case when they are not being worn
• Show them how to clean their glasses daily helping potentially harmful dirt and grime from accumulating
• And for a bit of help, since kids will break more glasses, they can get an “interim” voucher – between eye exams – to repair and/or replace broken glasses.

Are there any signs of poor eyesight in children?
Common symptoms of poor eye sight in children are:

• Holding a book too close to their face when reading
• Sitting too close to the television
• Looking cross eyed - blurred or double-vision
• Rubbing of the eyes frequently
• Discomfort in bright light
• Complaints of headaches or eyestrain
• Watery eyes
• Clumsiness
• Trouble identifying colours
• Frequent blinking
• Squinting

If you notice anything that may cause you concern bring your child in for an eye exam. Always remember that if sight problems are detected early enough they can be treated and result in minimum impact on your child’s life.