Junior Eye-care

Looking after your child’s health is an important element of being a parent, yet when it comes to your child’s eye health many families are seemingly in the dark. Here are some eye-opening points about children’s eyecare that we want all parents to know:

• Children need more frequent eye tests because their vision changes more quickly as they grow. At least every twelve months is recommended.
• Children’s eyesight is fully developed at age eight, but can be examined by an optician at a much younger age – well before they can read.
• Only 10 per cent of parents know if their child’s school offers a vision screening programme.
• Eye tests for children are completely free at optician’s.
• Students in further education may qualify for financial help for eye tests and to buy glasses or contact lenses.
• Children spend more time outside and, like skin, their eyes need protection from UV rays with the use of sunglasses.