Children’s Eye Care

Good vision is fundamental to a child’s learning, development, and confidence. At Consett Eyecare, we have years of experience examining young eyes and making the whole experience relaxed and enjoyable for children and parents alike. We recommend all children have their eyes tested regularly, even if no problems have been noticed at home or at school.

Why Children’s Eye Tests Matter

Many children do not realise their vision is poor simply because they have never known anything different. Undetected vision problems can affect reading, concentration, sports, and social interaction. Common childhood conditions we look for include:

• Myopia (Short-sightedness) — difficulty seeing clearly at a distance. Increasingly common in school-age children and often first spotted when a child struggles to read the board in class.
• Hyperopia (Long-sightedness) — the eye has to work harder to focus, often causing headaches, eyestrain, or difficulty with close work.
• Astigmatism — caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, leading to blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
• Amblyopia (Lazy Eye) — one eye develops weaker vision than the other, often because the brain learns to favour the stronger eye. Early detection and treatment is essential.
• Strabismus (Squint) — a visible misalignment of the eyes. Can be constant or intermittent and is often linked to amblyopia.
• Colour Vision Deficiency — commonly known as colour blindness, this is often detected for the first time during a routine eye test and can be important for certain career paths.

Free NHS Sight Tests for Children

All children under the age of 16 — and those under 19 in full-time education — are entitled to a free NHS sight test. There is no cost to you, and no referral is needed. Simply book an appointment and bring your child along. We recommend testing:

• Before starting school, ideally around age 3–4
• Every year through primary school age
• Every two years during secondary school, or sooner if any concerns arise

NHS Optical Vouchers for Children’s Glasses

If glasses are prescribed, children are entitled to an NHS optical voucher to help with the cost. At Consett Eyecare, we stock a wide range of frames within NHS voucher values, so in many cases there is no additional charge for a complete pair of glasses.

What to Expect During the Appointment

We make children’s eye tests as comfortable and engaging as possible. Our optometrist uses a variety of techniques that do not require a child to read or describe what they see, making the test accessible even for young toddlers. The appointment typically includes:

• A discussion with parents about any concerns or family history of eye conditions
• Assessment of how each eye focuses using specialised equipment
• Checking how the eyes work together as a team
• Colour vision testing (usually from around age 4)
• A check of the health of the front and back of the eye

The whole appointment usually takes around 20–30 minutes. We are patient, unhurried, and experienced in putting nervous children at ease.

Children’s Frames

We stock a broad range of children’s frames chosen specifically for durability, comfort, and fun. We understand that children are hard on their glasses — our range includes flexible, impact-resistant frames that can take the knocks of everyday school and playground life. We involve children in the choice of their own frames, helping them feel proud rather than self-conscious about wearing glasses.

All our children’s glasses are dispensed by a qualified optician who takes precise measurements to ensure the lenses are centred correctly — critical for comfort and the effectiveness of the prescription.

Myopia Management

Childhood short-sightedness (myopia) is becoming more common and tends to progress throughout the school years. If left unchecked it can increase to high levels that carry a greater risk of eye health problems in later life. We offer myopia management options including specialist lenses and advice on lifestyle factors such as outdoor time, which has been shown to slow myopic progression. Ask us at your child’s appointment if you have concerns about their prescription increasing.

Referrals & Ongoing Care

If we identify a condition that requires further investigation or hospital treatment — such as a significant squint or amblyopia — we will refer promptly to the appropriate NHS specialist. We are happy to liaise with schools, GPs, and hospital eye departments to ensure continuity of care for your child.

Book a Children’s Eye Test

Book your child’s free NHS eye test today. Call us on 01207 505 151 or visit our contact page to arrange an appointment.