CARING FOR YOUR CHILDREN'S EYES
Your child doesn't know what's 'normal' for vision - so how can they tell if they have a problem?
Children are only aware of their own experience of the world. Without knowing how their vision should be, children with visual problems tend to accept their eyesight as the norm. This means that you can’t rely on your child to let you know that they are struggling, so it is essential to ensure they attend regular eye examinations.
Undiagnosed visual problems can affect not only your child’s comfort, but also their learning and performance at school.
Furthermore, any vision problems detected before the age of eight can usually be corrected, but after this age they are much harder to treat and may become permanent.
SYMPTOMS OF VISUAL DIFFICULTY IN CHILDREN
Some unexplained behaviours point towards undetected visual problems; so what should you look out for?
If you child sits close to the television, avoids reading or tilts their head in order to read, there may be an underlying problem with their eyesight.
However, there are a number of symptoms that can indicate a problem, so please let us know if your child displays any other unusual behaviour.
HOW OLD DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BE FOR AN EYE TEST?
Children should attend eye examinations from the age of one year old. Before they are able to read, we can still identify any issues using age-appropriate equipment and picture-based tests.
Your child should come to see us at least every two years but if there are any problems, we would advise more frequent visits.
KIDS EYE EXAMS AT HARRIS OPTICIANS
If your child is feeling anxious about their appointment, they don’t need to worry. Our team has years of experience when it comes to making children feel relaxed and comfortable, and keeping them happy and engaged throughout their test.
The whole experience lasts approximately 20 minutes, but more detailed examinations are available for children with dyslexia or other learning difficulties.
What’s more, you don’t need to worry about the cost of eye examinations for your child as all children under the age of 16 (and up to 19, if in full-time education) are entitled to complimentary eye tests and eyewear, courtesy of the NHS.
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Company Name: Harris Opticians (Heswall) Limited | Company Number: 10865052
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