Children's Eye Examination
From excelling in the classroom to gaining confidence in sports, healthy vision can play a major role in your little one’s life – often in ways you might not expect. And, since children may not communicate or even notice if something’s off with their sight, regular eye examinations are essential.
The importance of children's eye tests
Children’s eyes are still developing, and early detection of sight problems can stop them from becoming permanent. Up to 80% of kids’ learning is visual – absorbed from the world they see around them.
This means untreated eye conditions can affect:
- school work
- sports participation
- social life
- confidence and self-esteem
At Broomfield Opticians, we recommend eye examinations from age 4 onwards. Our friendly team creates a relaxed and fun environment where children feel comfortable and at ease during their eye test.
The benefits of early detection
Many childhood vision problems are completely treatable when caught promptly. The sooner we identify an issue, the better the outcome is likely to be.
Early detection can:
- prevent sight loss or deterioration
- support proper eye development
- address problems before they affect schoolwork
- catch serious conditions that may have no obvious symptoms
Common vision issues in children
We’ll test for a number of common issues that can affect youngsters.
These include refractive errors, such as short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
We’ll also look out for lazy eye (amblyopia) and squint (strabismus) and any signs of difficulty using both eyes together.
Managing myopia in children
Short-sightedness (myopia) in children is becoming increasingly common. At Broomfield Opticians, we offer specialised myopia management programmes to slow its progression.
Our approaches include:
- MiyoSmart lenses with advanced D.I.M.S. technology
- specialised soft contact lenses
- lifestyle and environmental modifications
Learn more about our Myopia Management programme.
Contact lenses for children
Many people are surprised to learn that kids as young as 8-9 can wear contact lenses. We stock a range of options suitable for developing eyes including:
- daily disposable lenses for easy care
- custom soft lenses for specific needs
- specialised myopia control contact lenses
Contact lenses can be particularly beneficial for sports, building confidence, and providing all-round vision without the restrictions of glasses.
What to expect during a children's eye examination
Our child-friendly eye examinations are thorough yet fun. We use age-appropriate testing methods and explain everything in terms your little one will understand. The tests are painless and usually take about 30-45 minutes.
We assess:
- visual acuity (how well your child can see)
- eye movements and coordination
- depth perception
- colour vision
- overall eye health