Children’s Eye Health
Eye Tests for Children
Good eyesight is crucial in making sure a child develops to their full potential both at school and socially. Anyone can develop sight problems – but it is especially important to look after children’s eyes. The eye is still developing throughout early childhood so if problems are treated early, it can make a lasting difference.
How do I know if my child has an eye problem?
Some eye conditions do not display any signs or symptoms, so the only way to know for sure is to take your child for a sight test.
Signs which may show there is a problem with a child’s sight include:
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
The condition ‘lazy eye’ can run in the family, so if someone in your family has either an eye turn (‘squint’) or suffers from reduced vision in one or both eyes (‘amblyopia’), it’s a good idea to take any related children for a sight test.
NHS -funded Sight Tests
All children are entitled to NHS-funded sight tests and help with the cost of glasses Children under the age of 16 are entitled to NHS-funded sight tests and an optical voucher. An optical voucher entitles you to help towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses if they are needed.
You can find more information at www.nhs.uk
