Love their eyes, feed their imagination

Eye health and NHS sight tests for children in Derbyshire:

Three hand made aliens with goggly eyes and glassesIt is important that all parents and carers are aware of their child’s eye health and take them to an optician for regular eye health check-ups.

Good eye health helps your child to learn, play, be happy and healthy.

You or your child may not realise they have a problem with their eyes. An NHS sight test will tell you how well your child can see, and how healthy their eyes are. NHS sight tests are free for all children under 16 years old.

Some eye problems are difficult to fully correct if they are not found early. The sooner an eye problem is found, the sooner your child can get treatment and help.

We recommend you take them when they reach school age, between the ages of four and five years old.

 

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NHS sight tests are free for children under 16 years old. They are also free for young people under 19 who are in full-time education.

If your child needs glasses, you will also receive a voucher for help towards the cost. The voucher will cover the cost of many glasses. The cost of the voucher will vary depending upon your child’s prescription. Not every child will need glasses.

You or your child may not realise they have a problem with their eyes. An NHS sight test will check their eye health.

An NHS sight test will tell you how well your child can see, and how healthy their eyes are.

The sooner an eye problem is found, the sooner your child can get treatment and help.

Some eye problems are difficult to fully correct if they are not found early. This is why taking your child for a regular check-up is important.

Good eye health helps your child to learn, play, be happy and healthy.

Usually every 2-years. Sometimes, you may be asked to come back more often. Your optician will tell you.

You should take your child for an NHS sight test from the age of four years old, or after they start school.

You do not have to wait until they can read.

Opticians will use child-friendly tests.

More information about this can be found below.

Don't wait if you notice any problems with your child's eyes. Take them for a test as soon as possible.

A typical check-up will last for around 20 to 30 minutes.

The optician will take their time to relax you and your child.

They often have stickers and ways to keep your child’s attention. Your child does not need to be able to read. The optician may ask them to point to pictures instead.

Sometimes, eye drops might be needed but your optician will discuss this with you. A second appointment can be made to do this if needed.

 

It can be helpful if you talk about the sight test with your child. This helps them know what to expect and makes it less worrying.

Playing games, reading a book about eyes, or getting your child to draw pictures can help turn it into an adventure.

They will ask questions about your child’s vision, such as how they watch TV.

Your child will be shown simple pictures and asked to describe them. This can be fun for children.

The optician will ask children to follow a light so they can see how their eye muscles work.

They will also look into your child’s eyes. The optician will put on a pair of ‘glasses’ to find out how your child can see.

Making an appointment is easy.

You do not have to register with an optician. You can choose any optician. Your nearest town will often have at least one on the high street.

You should contact the optician to make an appointment. Explain you are bringing your child for the first time. If you have questions, ask them and the optician will answer them.

Many opticians are open in the evening and over the weekend to make it easier for you.

Talk to your local optician.

They will take time to discuss the needs of your child and how to help you. This could also include children who have speech and language difficulties and children with additional needs.

They can also tell you about local parking and transport.

In some areas, free home visits can be made by a qualified optician. Eligible people may include children with a disability. Ask your optician for more information.

Remember that you may not always notice any symptoms. This is why going for routine check-ups is important.

There may be some symptoms that could show eye problems.

You should get these checked out by an optician.

  • One eye that is not focusing or behaving like the other
  • Eyes may not work together, or one may wander inward or outward. This could be a sign of a lazy eye.

Other signs to look out for might include:

  • Children screwing their eyes up or rubbing their eyes
  • Children bumping into things
  • Children who have problems with catching or kicking a ball
  • Children sitting very close to the TV or who hold a book very close when reading
  • Children who refuse to read or have difficulties concentrating
  • Children complaining of headaches or blurred vision
  • Children who look like their eyes are drifting in or out
  • Children holding objects close to their face
  • Children tilting their head on one side.

There are certain things you can do to help to protect your child’s eye sight, these include:

  • Allowing your child to play outside and be physically active
  • Providing your child with a healthy diet 
  • Make sure your child drink plenty of fluids
  • Protect your child’s eyes from the sun
     

After reading this information are you more likely to take your child for an NHS Sight Test?