Children's Eye Exams and Eyewear in Belfast
Your child’s vision is incredibly important. In their early years, their eyes help them explore the world around them — from their home to the people they love. As they grow and begin school, clear eyesight is essential for learning, with around 80% of classroom teaching being visual. That’s why ensuring your child can see clearly is crucial for their overall development. We understand how much this matters to you, and we’re just as committed to safeguarding their vision every step of the way.
Most young children receive basic eyesight checks as part of routine developmental assessments. While these are important, they don’t provide the same level of detail as a full eye examination by a qualified optician. That’s why we encourage early eye tests for your child.
By having their vision checked before starting full-time education, any issues can be identified early, helping set them up for a happy and successful school experience.
Undetected vision problems can sometimes lead to learning or behavioral issues, which may be mistakenly blamed on other factors. This is especially the case for younger children, who may have difficulty expressing their vision struggles or may not realize they have an issue at all. The earlier a problem is detected, the better the outcome.
Conditions like squint or amblyopia (lazy eye) are much easier to treat when caught early, making a significant impact on your child’s development and quality of life.
At what age should children first visit?
There are vision tests available for infants and preschool children who may not yet be able to read or recognize letters. If you have concerns about your child’s eyesight, it’s important to visit us so we can assess their vision.
However, if you’re not noticing any issues, it may be better to wait until your child is a bit older, around three and a half years old, before booking a full eye examination.
Even if your child’s vision appears fine, it’s a good idea to take them for a comprehensive eye test when they start school. This will ensure there are no underlying vision problems that could impact their early learning.
The cost of children’s eye tests are covered by the NHS. All children under 16, as well as those under 19 and in full-time education, are entitled to a free NHS-funded eye test.
We know that an eye test can seem a little daunting for some children, especially if it’s their first experience. That’s why we’ve made sure the process is fun and welcoming for kids.
Eye tests for children are tailored differently than those for adults. Instead of using traditional letter charts, we use specially designed charts with shapes, pictures, or letter-matching options. This allows us to accurately assess your child’s vision, even if they aren’t able to read or recognize letters yet, making the whole experience easier and more enjoyable for them.
Our opticians are specially trained to assess children’s eyes and understand that the test room might feel a bit overwhelming for young children. We use friendly techniques to make the space feel as comfortable as possible. Of course, you’ll be able to stay with your child throughout the entire test, so you can observe and help them feel secure.
While the equipment used in your child’s eye test may be different from what is used for adults, it is just as accurate. We take extra care to ensure your child’s vision is assessed thoroughly and precisely.
In addition to checking vision, we also examine the eye muscles and surrounding structures to make sure they are healthy too.
- The average child spends more than four and a half hours per day on electrical devices, and just 40 minutes outside
- Six in 10 parents aren’t aware that time spent outdoors can delay the onset of myopia (short-sightedness) in children
- More than six in 10 struggle to get their children to leave the house, resulting in a third of parents feeling worried
- Seven in 10 are eager to get their child outside more, yet over two thirds believe their kids are ‘addicted to screens’
- 93 per cent agree screen time has increased significantly during the pandemic
- The average six to 16-year-old spends two plus more hours a day inside, than they did before the pandemic.
The incidence of myopia is expected to increase significantly as lifestyle changes, with children taking part in more near-work activities like using digital devices, studying, reading and spending less time outdoors. Hereditary, behavioural and environmental factors also play a part.
Being able to have your child’s myopia diagnosed early not only corrects their vision now, but can help slow the progression of myopia and preserve their vision and eye health for the future.
Book An Appointment Now!
Receive expert eye care and tailored advice for your vision needs. Book your appointment today and see the difference with Fortwilliam Opticians.