FAQ’s relating to childrens eye care:

How much does a childs eye examination cost?

All children under 16 or under 19 in Full time education are entitled to an NHS eye examination.
Where appropriate they will also receive an NHS Voucher to use towards Spectacles.

When should children have an eye examination?

We recommend all children to have an eye examination before starting school. Eye examinations on younger children are advised where there is a family history of squint or lazy eye. Or if there are any concerns about the childs vision or eye health.

How can you test their eyes if they can’t read?

We have a modern computer generated chart which has charts using lower case letters, numbers and pictures allowing us to get an accurate vision measurement on even our youngest patients. Where children are too young for this we are still able to assess the childs eyes using objective measurements which don’t require the child to do anything!

What signs are there that my child can’t see?

Young children adapt very quickly so often childrens visual problems go unnoticed for some time. You may notice a turn in one eye, the child may screw their eyes when watching TV or reading. Teachers may notice problems seeing the board or problems with or a strong dislike of reading.

My child hates wearing spectacles!

At the Gosforth Eye Company we have a wide range of spectacle frames for children of all ages. Many of our children’s and teenagers frames are covered by the NHS voucher scheme. We also have a range of premium children and teenagers frames which are available to upgrade on the NHS Voucher.

Can my child wear contact lenses?

At The Gosforth Eye Company we appreciate spectacles are not convenient for all aspects of childrens lifestyle. We will consider each child on an individual basis and in conjunction with the parents decide whether the child is suitable for contact lens wear whether for sports, social or daily use. We will always recommend the healthiest option for each childs needs but stress that spectacles are still required as an essential part of vision correction.

To find out more about contact lenses and the contact lens consultation click here