Kids at Conlons
Your questions answered:
How much does it cost for a child’s eye test?
Nothing. The cost of eye tests for under-16s and those in full time education aged under 19 is met by the National Health Service. A responsible adult simply signs a form to confirm eligibility and we do the rest.
How often should I have my child’s eyes tested?
At least every 2 years even if they don’t wear glasses. As children are growing so are their eyes and it is important to check that they are developing normally. If your child is prescribed glasses, has a lazy eye, or some other condition you will be advised to have tests more frequently, typically every 3, 6 or 12 months.
Pre-school eye care
When should they have their first test?
It’s never too early to have your baby’s eyes checked and basic initial tests are carried out post-natally as part of routine checks on your baby’s progress. As a general rule you should aim to have your child’s eyes tested annually from the about the age of 2.
What if my child can’t read yet?
Even if your child doesn’t know his or her letters yet we have special tests that can determine whether he or she is long or short sighted with only a minimum amount of cooperation. Occasionally we have to refer to specialist paediatric eye specialists if we can’t take the necessary measurements and we suspect glasses might be necessary.
Why is it important to have an eye test pre-school?
If your child is long sighted and this goes unnoticed he or she will almost certainly develop a lazy eye. If detected before the age of 5 this can normally be corrected and the eyes encouraged to develop normally, if not one eye may become permanently “lazy” as the nerve pathways to the brain do not connect up properly. Having a lazy eye has a profound effect in later life as it means you only see clearly from one eye even with glasses and means you cannot do certain jobs including entering the armed and emergency service, professional driving jobs and many others.
I’m worried my child might need glasses?
Glasses aren’t anything to worry about – over 60% of the UK population wears them. It is important that if glasses are required before the age of 8 or so, that they are worn as advised by your optician, in order that the eyes to develop normally. If they are not worn there is a risk of permanent vision loss in the form of a lazy eye.
I’m worried that my child might get picked on if they wear glasses?
We only prescribe glasses if they are required and will advise on when they should be worn. Glasses are seen as fashionable these days and we have a huge range of trendy NHS glasses, or if you prefer you can pay towards their favourite children’s brand. Much better their eyes develop normally than be ruled by vanity, but if bullying is a problem school authorities take it very seriously.
My child wants contact lenses. At what age can they have them?
There’s no age limit…..
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