CHILDREN’S EYE TEST LONDON
It’s really important to have your child’s eyes checked regularly to ensure their eyes are healthy, and to identify any vision support they may need early on.
The NHS recommends that children receive their first eye test before they start school, however at Coton & Hamblin we are able to test children younger than school age. We make it a fun and engaging appointment and adapt the examination to the age and interests of the child so they can receive the best eye care from an early age.
SIGNS OF CHILDREN’S VISION PROBLEMS
It can be very difficult to know if a child is struggling with their sight, so regular checks can spot anything before it becomes too much of an issue.
Some common signs to look for include:
- Getting very close to the TV
- Holding books, phones/other digital devices very close
- Squinting their eyes
- Rubbing the eyes
- Poor concentration at close up tasks
If there are any health or eye conditions that run through the family, such as high-powered spectacles or squints (turns) in the eyes, these can be hereditary, therefore we recommend you bring your child in sooner than school age.
If you have any concerns about your child’s vision or eye health please call to make an appointment.
School Eye Screening
Coton & Hamblin are part of the SE London Children’s School Vision screening. If your child has been seen by the school nursing team and is told that they require additional tests, they can be seen by us.
Please call to book and appointment and mention your child has been seen by the school screening team.
NHS funded children’s eye tests
The NHS funds children’s eye exams and contributes towards any spectacles or contact lenses that may be required. This is up to the age of 18 in full time education, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if your child is struggling.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CHILDREN’S EYE TESTS
As a parent or guardian, you may have many questions regarding eye exams and glasses for children, so we have included some of the frequently asked questions below.
My child is short-sighted, what services do you offer to help them?
In the last 20 years there has been lots of research into children’s vision and in particular into Myopia – short-sightedness.
Myopia can be a problem for many children and, due to research and development by Spectacle Lens and Contact Lens companies, we can now offer specialist products to help slow the progression.
For more information on Myopia Control and how Coton & Hamblin can help, click here
My child is neurodivergent, can I still book a sight test?
Yes, whether your child is neurodivergent, anxious, has a disability or health condition, our team are highly experienced in supporting children with additional needs to make the whole experience more enjoyable for them and you.
We can also offer an appointment during our quiet times, if that makes it easier for you and your child. Please call our team and we can happily discuss your requirements with you.
Also as part of the MECS service, several of our optometrists have further accreditations to examine the vision and eyes of patients who have learning disabilities – this service is for adults and children. Please see the MECS page here for further information.
What happens if my child breaks or loses their glasses?
Call our team and let us know what has happened, it may be that a repair or replacement may be available to you from the NHS
Can I pick my child’s glasses up without my child being present?
No, Your child needs to be present. Your child’s glasses will need to be checked and fitted by one of our qualified colleagues so we will need your child to be present for fitting.
Please call us to arrange a suitable appointment time to collect the spectacles.
Do you stock frames for smaller faces?
Yes we do, please contact the team to find out more
Do you accept hospital prescriptions?
We do, please contact us to arrange an appointment with one of our dispensing team
I think there’s been a change in my child’s vision, but they aren’t due for a sight test yet, what can I do?
Call our team and we can have a chat to you about the options that are available
Should my child have sunglasses?
Yes, we highly recommend sunglasses for children, even those who don’t need prescription sunglasses, to protect their eyes against UV rays. Please call us if you would like to discuss sunglasses for your child
My child isn’t talking yet, can you still do an eye exam on them?
Yes, we can. Our team have a special tests that can help.
My child can’t read letters, will that stop them having a sight test?
Absolutely not, our team have a testing chart with cartoons, pictures and numbers that they can use
Is it possible to book an eye exam with the same optometrist for my child as they like to see a familiar face?
Of course, just talk to our team about it when booking the appointments