CHILDREN
Being able to see clearly is vital for children’s well-being and development. Eyesight is perhaps our most precious sense and protecting it helps children learn about the world and interact with other people. This is why you can always expect the highest level of service from us when it comes to children’s eye care. We treat every child as an individual, considering their specific eye care needs and always aim to make them feel comfortable and relaxed whether they’re having their eyes tested or picking out a new pair of frames.
KID'S EYE TESTS
We offer free, detailed eye tests for all kids under 16 (and teenagers aged 17 and 18 in full-time education) through the NHS. With our thorough examinations, we’ll learn everything we need to know about your child’s eye health and vision. Every test is specialised for different age groups and we pay attention to the smallest details to help catch any eye problems early on.
GLASSES FOR CHILDREN
When it comes to a fashionable pair of new frames there’s no reason even our youngest patients should miss out. We have colourful and stylish eyewear to suit every age group. With the help of our knowledgeable dispensing team, you’ll be able to find frames that not only look great but feel great as well.
MYOPIA CONTROL
Myopia, or short-sightedness, is a condition that causes blurry distance vision. It most commonly starts in children aged between 6-13 years old and it can progress as the child, and therefore the eyeball, grows. It can happen to anyone, but there is a higher risk if one or both parents are also myopic.
In recent years there has been a huge increase in the amount of people becoming short-sighted, and it is predicted that by 2050 it will affect half of the worlds population.
As well as genetic factors, things like increased time indoors and prolonged time on screens have been shown to have an impact on myopia.
And although there is no cure, in recent years there has been much advancement in ‘myopia control’ treatments which can help slow down the progression of myopia.
TREATMENT
Being able to slow down the progression of myopia can mean your child doesn’t develop a strong prescription requiring spectacles on a permanent basis, and needing thicker corrective lenses. Being very shortsighted can also increase the risk of ocular conditions such as retinal detachments, glaucoma, or myopic maculopathy which can all potentially lead to serious vision loss. So it’s great that we now have options to help reduce these risks.
We offer two types of myopia management care. We can fit a specially designed soft daily contact lens or spectacle lens (or indeed a combination of the two) designed to reduce myopia progression by about 59%. Both are worn in just the same way as normal contact lenses or spectacles, but their innovative design works to help slow down short-sighted progression. Following a sight test your optometrist will discuss the options with you and your child so you can decide how best to proceed.