Good vision is essential in childhood development and regular eye examinations are the key to good vision.

Research has shown that one in five school children have an undetected eye problem. As 80% of a child’s learning occurs visually, many children cannot see well enough to reach their full potential or enjoy everyday childhood activities as much as they could.

A child may not realise if their vision is not clear – they assume the way they see is normal. Therefore regular eye examinations are advised for all children under the age of 16 at least once a year.

Typical warning signs to look out for:

1: One eye turns in, out, up or down
2: Complains of frequent headaches
3: Frequently rubs eyes or blinks a lot
4: Screws up eyes when reading or watching television
5: Avoids reading, writing or drawing
6: Has difficulty catching a ball
7: Fails to make expected progress at school
8: Develops behavioural or concentration problems at school

If your child is squinting their eyes or started struggling to see in the distance, this could be Myopia (short sight).

5 questions we encourage parents to ask us in the consulting room are:

1. Does my child have myopia?
2. What line on the eye chart can they see now?
3. What line might they see in 5 years time?
4. What is their projected line on the graph?
5. What myopia control options are available to us?

There are 4 main options we would be happy to discuss with you for your child’s eyecare and Myopia (short sight) control:

1. SPECTACLES
2. SPECTACLES with Myopia Control – Specialist spectacle lenses that focus the light better around the edge of the eye and are worn like normal spectacles
3. DAY LENSES with Myopia Control – Specialist contact lenses worn during the day that focus the light better around the edge of the eye
4. NIGHT LENSES with Myopia Control (aka Ortho-k | Orthokeratology lenses) – Lenses worn at night that correct your eye while you sleep. No need for spectacles/contacts during the day

Find out more about Myopia Management

When should children have their eyes examined?

Children should have their first eye examination by the age of four, sooner if any problems are suspected. The earlier a problem is detected, the more effectively it can be treated.

It doesn’t matter if your child is too young to talk or read a letter chart, as we use a range of techniques and modern equipment to detect visual problems at any age.

Such equipment used is a computerised test chart which allows us to use pictures, numbers, shapes as well as letters to check the child’s vision.

Feltham Eyecare Centre provides free NHS eye tests for all children under 16 and those under 19 and in full time education. If a child is found to need spectacles, a contribution is provided by the NHS.

At Feltham Eyecare Centre, we stock a wide range of spectacles specially designed for children’s faces to choose from. Many have soft nose pads for extra comfort and sprung hinges to withstand extra wear and tear. So remember regular eye examinations could be crucial for your child’s health care and personal development, so don’t delay and contact Feltham Eyecare Centre for an appointment as soon as possible.

Children’s Eyewear

Children’s spectacle frames can be just like yours, but more fun to choose and are made especially for fashion conscious children.

Searching for the right pair of spectacles can be confusing. You’ll see plenty of children’s spectacle frames, but how do you figure out which one’s your child is willing to wear, and which one’s will last longer than the ride home?

At Feltham Eyecare Centre, we take the time to discuss with you which frame styles you and your child like whilst making specific recommendations on the suitability depending on prescription, fashion, wear ability and styling options.

Modern children’s spectacles boast durability and safety features. With so many new styles, you and your child are sure to find a pair of spectacles you both will love. Choices range from brands based on popular characters or childhood icons such as Harry Potter, to adult styles, or a mix of both.

Because children can be tough on their eyewear, it’s always a good idea to purchase a second pair of spectacles. This is especially true if your child has a strong prescription and cannot function without his or her spectacles.

If your child wears spectacles full time (including outdoors), photochromic lenses or prescription sunglasses should also be considered to decrease glare, increase visual comfort, and provide 100 percent protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Because children’s eyes aren’t completely developed, they absorb more UV rays. This is why we recommend 100 percent UV protected lenses.

Toddler Eye Examinations

Testing your toddler’s eyesight is crucially important. If any problems are affecting their sensory development, it’s important to detect this early enough to enable effective treatment.

We provide free NHS eye test for toddlers, and we use Cardiff Aquity Cards to check your toddler’s vision under 18-months.

To assess whether your toddler’s eyes are developing normally, we also:

• Test the pupil responses and evaluate whether it opens and closes properly in the presence or absence of light.
• Test to see whether their eyes can fixate and follow an object such as light as it moves.

If you have any concerns with your toddler’s vision and eyes please call us at Feltham Eyecare Centre on 020 8867 0406 to book an appointment. Important: regular eye examinations are crucial for your child’s personal development and health.

Toddler’s Eyewear

Those adorable eyes may look perfect, but sometimes they need a bit of assistance to see perfectly.

Children should have their first eye examination before starting school. If your child is too young to read a letter chart, that’s no problem as we use a Picture Screening Chart, which will detect any visual problems.

Your toddler loves to learn and does so with all their senses. They’ll enjoy seeing things better than they do now when you explain that spectacles will help them do just that. They’ll be able to see that squirrel’s fuzzy tail in the tree that was a complete blur before.

With the entire running, jumping, and falling your little one does, it’s important that their spectacles stay put and intact. That’s why it is important to visit an Opticians who take the time to personally fit spectacle frames so that they are comfortable and fit according to each unique face.

We accept hospital vouchers for children’s spectacles and specialise in fitting frames for children from our Tomato and Active range. They are specially designed to offer the right fit for your child. To view the range just give us a call on 020 8867 0406 to arrange an appointment.

Take a look at Tomato Frames specially designed for kids collection.