EYECARE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
A young persons vision is very precious. Eyesite Eyecare Centres are dedicated to the care and preservation of young eyes. Our children’s eye examination is more in-depth than a standard sight test. As such, we recommend regular check-ups to be able to identify any potential difficulties early on.
Maintaining good vision is essential in childhood development. Research has shown that up to 1 million children in the UK have an undetected vision problem (Eyecare Trust Statistics based on DCSF 2013 School Census 0-12 year olds). As the majority of a child’s learning occurs visually, children with undiagnosed eye conditions are more likely to experience difficulty with learning at school (Eye-Inspire, 2016).
It is essential for parents to ensure that their children get regular eye examinations and look out for typical symptoms of visual problems such as:
- Squinting or twisting up the eyes to see
- Needing to look closely at books or TV
- Difficulty and frustration reading, writing or drawing
- Skips words or lines when reading
- Poor performance at school
- Complaints of headaches
If your child has any of the above symptoms, book an appointment to see our optometrists as soon as possible. The sooner any problems are identified the quicker they can be resolved so your child can get back to enjoying their vision. If your child is too young to talk or read the letter chart, don’t worry! We use a range of modern equipment and techniques to detect visual problems at any age.
Our specialist services for young people
Eye Examination
Children’s eye examinations are offered FREE, through the NHS, up to the age of 16, or 19 if they are in full time education. Under this care, if spectacles or contact lenses are required, you will be entitled to an NHS voucher towards the cost of your child’s spectacles or contact lenses.
Children who need a second pair of frames or sunglasses after getting one are entitled to get this half price, with our exclusive offer
Second Pair Offer
Young people under 16, who choose a pair from our young range can have a second pair FREE, to use as a spare pair. We have also extended this for young people who would rather choose a pair of sunglasses. Terms and conditions apply and can be advised in store.
Myopia Management
Myopia is a global problem. *By 2050, it is predicted that half the world’s population will have myopia, with nearly one billion at high risk of sight threatening ocular pathology In the UK, the prevalence of myopia in children aged between 10–16 years has more than doubled over the last 50 years, and children are becoming myopic at a younger age. good vision is essential in childhood development. Research has shown that up to 1 million children in the UK have an undetected vision problem (Eyecare Trust Statistics based on DCSF 2013 School Census 0-12 year olds). As the majority of a child’s learning occurs visually, children with undiagnosed eye conditions are more likely to experience difficulty with learning at school (Eye-Inspire, 2016).
Visual Stress
Eyesite Eyecare Centres provide diagnosis and treatment of visual stress for dyslexia and specific learning difficulties, migraine and epilepsy.
‘Visual stress can be a major part of the problem in people with reading difficulties, including Dyslexia. This can cause eyestrain, headaches and result in academic under-achievement. Once visual stress has been identified and treated, remaining difficulties become easier to deal with.’
- Eyesite Eyecare Centres Optometrist and Fellow of the International Institute of Colorimetry, Ian Beasley.
Administering a coloured overlay or filter has been found to ease the difficulty of reading for those with visual stress. Eyesite Eyecare Centres have a range of assessments, designed to accurately identify the type of coloured filter that is required on an individual basis. We are also an approved test centre for those who are interested in ReadEZ products.
Colorimetry
Scientific research has proven that visual stress can be reduced by prescribing precise coloured filters when reading or using a computer.
Eyesite Eyecare Centres have a range of assessments, designed to accurately identify the type of coloured filter that is required on an individual basis. This includes the use of an Intuitive Colorimeter, allowing for the optimum coloured lens to be identified and then made up into spectacles.
Commenting on the service, Optometrist and Fellow of the International Institute of Colorimetry, Ian Beasley from Eyesite Eyecare Centres says: ‘Visual stress can be a major part of the problem in people with reading difficulties, including Dyslexia. This can cause eyestrain, headaches and result in academic under-achievement. Once visual stress has been identified and treated, remaining difficulties become easier to deal with.’
Contact Lenses
There’s no ‘official’ age to start wearing contact lenses – it really depends on your child’s ability to use and look after their lenses. Children are quick learners and have proven to be just as capable at wearing lenses as adults – but we’d recommend that a parent or guardian should supervise them to start with.
The benefits of contact lenses for kids
- Kids can sometimes feel self-conscious wearing glasses – contact lenses correct their vision while maintaining their natural appearance.
- Their full field of vision is in focus which is great for sports.
- They provide the freedom for kids to run around and get stuck in when they’re playing or during sports.
- Removes the worry about breaking or damaging their glasses (so parents will enjoy the benefits too).
NEW ReadEZ
Eyesite Eyecare Centres are now providers of ReadEZ, which is a line of products specifically tailored to alleviate the discomfort that visual stress can create. We have a number of options for children who have visual stress (or Meares-Irlen syndrome), including coloured spectacles and coloured spectacle clip ons, coloured paper overlays and software tint overlays to PC screens.
Whichever your child’s preference, we can tailor the options to ensure that your child has the best possible solution.