Your eyesight starts to change from the moment you are born, therefore, we recommend that children should have their first eye examination before starting school. This is particularly important if there is a family history of eye problems as many conditions can be hereditary. It does not matter if your child cannot read or recognise letters yet, there are various techniques for detecting visual problems from an early age.

Owner of G.T. Harvey, optometrist Stuart Henderson, who has two children of his own, is very experienced at examining children’s eyes. He uses a range of age-appropriate tests including pictures and matching graded shapes. In addition to detecting the need to wear spectacles, the eye examination can detect various other problems, including squints, lazy eyes and colour deficiencies. Children’s eye examinations are free on the National Health Service.

Children’s Spectacles

Children are not simply adults in miniature, and children’s spectacle frames should not be scaled down versions of adult styles. Children have different facial characteristics that are constantly changing as the child grows, they also have different practical needs due to their more active lifestyles. By law in the UK, children must have their spectacles dispensed by a qualified optometrist or dispensing optician, who is registered with the General Optical Council.

Since a child’s facial features are still maturing and can easily be damaged, it is important that the frame to be used assures an anatomically correct fit and the lenses are placed accurately in front of the eyes. Suitable frames for children consist of components that are sufficiently stable to withstand the majority of childhood activities. Many frames have special features, such as spring hinges that help keep the frame in its correct shape. Adjustable nosepads are also available which allow for more accurate fitting around the bridge of the nose.

Lenses

Safety is an important aspect of children’s spectacles due to the fairly active lifestyle led by the majority of children. Plastic lenses are used in the majority of cases, but polycarbonate lenses are also available. Polycarbonate is a safer, stronger, more impact resistant lens material which is frequently used in sport and safety spectacles. In addition to being stronger, it is also lighter, thinner and offers greater UV protection than standard plastic lenses.

Children under the age of 16 and those in full-time education under the age of 19 are entitled to an NHS voucher which contributes towards the cost of the spectacles. At G.T. Harvey, we stock a comprehensive range of children’s frames, some of which are completely covered by the NHS voucher. Polycarbonate lenses are available at a small extra charge.