Children's Eye care
Friendly, thorough eye care for children
Good vision plays an important role in how children learn, develop and experience the world around them. Because children do not always realise that their vision could be better, regular eye examinations can be an important part of looking after their eye health.
At Whitehouse & Son Optical, we provide gentle, child-friendly eye care in a calm and welcoming environment. We offer free NHS eye tests, myopia control, eye coordination assessments, children’s glasses and contact lens fittings.
Our team takes the time to explain what is happening, uses child-friendly equipment and makes sure your child never feels rushed.
Contact Whitehouse & Son Optical to arrange an eye test for your child.
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Free NHS eye tests for children
Children can receive free NHS-funded eye tests if they meet the relevant eligibility criteria.
We make children’s eye examinations gentle and thorough, checking their vision and assessing the health of their eyes. Regular eye tests can help identify changes in vision and problems that may affect how your child’s eyes develop.
Children may not always tell you that they cannot see clearly. They can simply assume that the way they see is normal. An eye examination provides an opportunity to check their vision even when they have not noticed a problem.
If we identify a concern, we will explain the findings clearly and discuss what we recommend next.
Making children's eye tests comfortable
We understand that visiting an optician can feel unfamiliar for younger children. Our approach is designed to make the experience as relaxed as possible.
We use:
- Gentle, age-appropriate explanations
- Child-friendly equipment
- A calm and welcoming environment
- A patient, supportive approach
- Plenty of time, without rushing
We encourage children throughout their appointment and explain what we are doing before we do it. Our aim is to make eye care a positive experience from the start.
Children's glasses
If your child needs glasses, choosing the right frame is important.
Children’s glasses need to be comfortable, secure and suitable for everyday activities, while also being something they are happy to wear.
We offer a wide range of smaller frames for babies, young children and older children, with options designed around different ages and needs.
For babies and children under two, we stock Tomato Glasses, specialist children’s eyewear designed with young children in mind.
Our team can help you and your child find frames that fit properly and feel comfortable, while giving your child a chance to be involved in choosing their glasses.
Myopia control for children
Myopia, or short-sightedness, is becoming increasingly common among children. A child with myopia can usually see objects close to them clearly but may have difficulty seeing things in the distance.
If your child’s myopia is progressing, we can discuss myopia control options.
Myopia control uses specialist lenses and personalised management plans designed to help slow the progression of short-sightedness in children and young people.
The right approach depends on your child’s age, prescription, eye health and individual circumstances. We can assess their eyes, discuss the available options and recommend an appropriate management plan where suitable.
Regular monitoring is an important part of myopia management, allowing us to track changes in your child’s prescription and eye health over time.
Checking how the eyes work together
Clear vision is not just about whether each eye can see clearly on its own. The eyes also need to work together effectively.
We can assess eye coordination and binocular vision, which is particularly relevant for children who are learning to read or spending a lot of time on schoolwork.
Problems with how the eyes work together can sometimes contribute to symptoms such as:
- Difficulty concentrating when reading
- Losing their place while reading
- Headaches or visual discomfort
- Words appearing to move or blur
- Avoiding reading or close-up work
- Difficulty maintaining focus
These symptoms can have many possible causes, so an eye examination is an important starting point. If we identify an issue with your child’s vision or eye coordination, we can explain the findings and advise you on the appropriate next steps.
Contact lenses for active children
Contact lenses can be an option for some children and teenagers, particularly those who are active in sport or would prefer an alternative to glasses.
We provide contact lens fittings for children and assess whether they are suitable based on their age, maturity, prescription, lifestyle and ability to follow safe lens care routines.
For an active child, contact lenses can provide freedom from glasses during sports and other activities. They can also be an option for children who feel self-conscious about wearing glasses.
Safety and eye health always come first. We provide one-to-one training on inserting and removing lenses, along with clear guidance on hygiene, wearing schedules and aftercare.
When should my child have an eye test?
You do not need to wait until your child tells you that they cannot see properly before arranging an eye examination.
Children’s vision can change as they grow, and some problems are not immediately obvious to parents or children themselves.
You may wish to arrange an eye examination if you notice your child:
- Sitting very close to the television or screens
- Holding books unusually close
- Squinting or closing one eye
- Struggling to see things in the distance
- Avoiding reading or close-up activities
- Frequently rubbing their eyes
- Complaining of headaches or visual discomfort
- Losing their place while reading
- Showing a sudden change in their vision
If you are concerned about your child’s vision, you do not need to wait for their next routine appointment. Contact us and we can advise you on the most appropriate next step.
Eye care that grows with your child
Children’s vision changes as they grow, so eye care should not be a one-off event.
By seeing your child regularly, we can monitor their vision and eye health over time. This is particularly important for children with progressing myopia, children who need glasses and those experiencing difficulties with reading or eye coordination.
Our aim is to provide consistent, reassuring care as your child’s visual needs develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are children's eye tests free?
Children who meet the relevant NHS eligibility criteria can receive a free NHS eye test. We can advise you about eligibility when you contact the practice.
At what age should a child have an eye test?
Children can have their eyes tested at any age. You do not need to wait until they start school. If you have concerns about your child’s vision or eye development, contact us for advice.
Can a child have an eye test if they cannot read?
Yes. Children’s eye tests are adapted to their age and ability. We use appropriate tests and child-friendly equipment rather than relying solely on reading letters.
What happens during a child's eye test?
We assess your child’s vision and check the health of their eyes using age-appropriate tests. We explain what is happening in a gentle, reassuring way and give your child time to become comfortable with the process.
Can children wear glasses?
Yes. Children can wear glasses from a very young age when they need vision correction. We offer a range of children’s frames, including specialist options for babies and young children.
What glasses are suitable for babies and toddlers?
Babies and toddlers need frames designed specifically for smaller faces and developing features. We stock Tomato Glasses for babies and children under two, alongside a range of other smaller children’s frames.
What is myopia control?
Myopia control is an approach designed to help slow the progression of short-sightedness in children and young people. It can involve specialist lenses and an individual management plan, depending on the child’s circumstances.
Can myopia be treated in children?
Can children wear contact lenses?
Can contact lenses be used for children's sport?
What are signs that my child may have a vision problem?
How can I make my child's eye test easier?
Talk positively about the appointment and reassure your child that there is nothing to worry about. We take a gentle approach, explain each step and allow children time to become comfortable with the equipment and examination.
Children's eye care you can trust
At Whitehouse & Son Optical, we want every child to feel comfortable, listened to and well cared for.
From free NHS eye tests and children’s glasses to myopia control, binocular vision checks and contact lenses, we provide personalised eye care as your child grows.
Contact Whitehouse & Son Optical to arrange your child’s eye examination.