Children's Visits
All Children under the age of 16 years old or under 19 years if they are still in full time education are entitled to an NHS funded eye examination.
It is extremely important to have children’s eyesight and ocular health regularly checked. Their developing visual system can be affected by eye anomalies and prompt action can prevent visual problems in the future. Being able to see clearly is important to your child’s overall development so we advise getting their eyes checked before they start school or sooner if you notice anything you are worried about. Even if your child is not yet old enough to communicate or recognise pictures or letters there are still checks we can use.
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Children may not be able to explain or even realise what is normal.
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Children can suffer at school because of undiagnosed eye problems.
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Children’s eyesight can give poor quality of vision or even cause eye strain which can show up as lack of concentration at school.
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The following Contact lenses and Myopia Management options are not funded by the NHS.
Contact Lenses
Some young children can successfully and comfortably benefit from wearing contact lenses.
With the advent of modern contact lens materials many youngsters are opting to use them. Occasional use daily disposables for sport are one very popular option.
An assessment of your child’s suitability to wear contact lenses can be conducted and if successful they could be fitted with a pair and then instructed on their use and when they are proficient enough they would be allowed to take some home to try. With a follow up review to be booked within a few weeks to check on how they got on.
Myopia Management for Children
Introducing our cutting-edge myopia management program, designed to tackle the growing epidemic of near sightedness in children and teens.
Our comprehensive approach combines the latest advancements in optometry, innovative treatments, and personalized care to slow down the progression of myopia and safeguard your child's vision. Discover how our expert team can help your little one enjoy clear vision today and a brighter, glasses or contact lenses for a better future tomorrow.
Contact Lens Option
Dual focus contact lenses such as MiSight or NaturalVue are now available. These lenses look and feel like any other daily disposable soft contact lens but have a special optical design which are proven to slow down the speed at which short-sightedness progresses.
Spectacle Lens Option
There are now spectacle lenses for myopia management. Stellest is a breakthrough innovation in spectacle lenses designed to slow down myopia progression in children by 67% on average compared to single vision lenses when they are worn for 12 hrs a day.
Stellest lenses are designed with 2 ingeniously complementary zones that when combined have a powerful effect. Zone 1 brings sharp vision with your child’s prescription. Zone 2 slows down myopia progression with Stellest technology.
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Stellest lenses not only correct myopia but also control its progression.
Read more about Myopia Management by clicking on the following links:
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How often should I have an eye exam?It is recommended to have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years, depending on your age, risk factors, and overall eye health. Your eye care professional can determine the ideal frequency for your specific needs.
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What are the common signs and symptoms of eye problems in adults?Common signs and symptoms of eye problems in adults include blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, eye strain or fatigue, redness, itching or dryness, eye pain or discomfort, floaters or flashes of light, and frequent headaches.
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Can digital screens and prolonged computer use harm my eyes?Extended periods of staring at digital screens can cause digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. It can lead to symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and neck or shoulder pain. Following the 20-20-20 rule (taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away) can help alleviate these symptoms.
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How can I prevent or manage dry eyes?To prevent or manage dry eyes, use lubricating eye drops, avoid dry environments or excessive airflow, take regular breaks during prolonged screen time, and consider using a humidifier in your home or office. It's also important to stay hydrated and avoid rubbing your eyes.
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How do I take care of contact lenses?Proper care and maintenance of contact lenses are crucial to prevent eye infections and ensure clear vision. It typically involves cleaning and disinfecting the lenses, storing them correctly, and adhering to a recommended replacement schedule. Follow the instructions provided by your eye care professional and the lens manufacturer.
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How is Ultra Wield Field Imaging different from an OCT Scan?Ultra Wield Field Imaging is a wide-field retinal imaging technology that captures high-resolution, panoramic images of the retina. Unlike an OCT Scan, which provides cross-sectional images, Ultra Wield Field Imaging captures a wide-angle view of the retina, including the peripheral areas. This imaging can help detect retinal abnormalities, peripheral lesions, and vascular disorders.