EYE EXAMINATIONS – YOUNG PEOPLE
Regular eye examinations are an important part of a child's healthcare and personal development. If children have poor vision, they may find it difficult to learn at school. Many people think that a child's eyes cannot be accurately examined until they can read, but this may already be too late to diagnose and treat visual problems. Optometrists have a range of tests that can be carried out at a very early age.

In a child's early years doctors and health visitors carry out vision screening checks, but this is not as comprehensive as an eye examination by an Optometrist. So even if there do not appear to be any problems, it is important to make sure your child has an eye examination at least once a year.

Caring for young eyes
One in five children at school have an undetected eye problem. Without early treatment visual defects such as squints (one eye turning in or out) or amblyopia (lazy eye) can become a permanent problem.

Some 80% of a child's learning occurs visually and without good vision children may not achieve their full potential.

Children themselves may not notice they have a visual defect and it is easy for parents to think there is nothing wrong with their child's eyesight. Parents are often unaware that vision can change quickly as children grow and develop hence the need for regular eye examinations.

Children particularly at risk

• Does one or both parents have squints or amblyopia - did they attend the Eye Clinic or the Optician as a child?
• Does your child have a brother or sister with a visual problem or wearing spectacles full-time?
• Do one or both parents wear spectacles full-time - are their spectacles high (strong) prescriptions?
• Does your child have one eye that turns in (or out) when they are tired?
• Does your child not like having one eye covered or do they tend to turn their head to use one eye?
• Does your child find difficulty in catching a ball?
• Does your child bump into things?
• Do they peer at the television or hold books very close?
• Do they have below normal performance at school?
• Do they blink excessively?
• Was your child a premature baby, was a forceps delivery required?
• Is your child interested in a career that requires normal colour vision?

If the answer is yes to any of the above or if you feel there is something wrong with your child's eyesight then your child should have an eye examination as soon as possible.

Testing young eyes
We are experienced in examining young people of all ages, in fact over 15% of our eye examinations at the practice are students under 19.

We recommend your child should have an eye examination as early as possible and certainly before the child starts school. Many squints develop before the age of three and early treatment is essential to ensure amblyopia does not also develop.

It doesn't matter if your child is too young to talk or read a letter chart. The Optometrist can use a range of techniques and modern equipment to detect visual problems at any age. You may also be encouraged to take part in the eye examination and to ask any questions about your child's vision.

We have information on current vision standards for different careers and professions and we are happy to give advice where necessary.

Click for more information about Spectacles for Young People.