0208 293 9493
 

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Children's Sight tests​

Ensuring that every child has proper vision is essential, as many vision issues can arise at a young age and often go unnoticed. Children may not always communicate their difficulties, making regular eye exams crucial.

In the UK, it’s estimated that up to 1 million children may have undetected vision problems, which can significantly impact their education and overall quality of life. While over 90% of children visit a dentist regularly, only 53% have ever had an eye examination.

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At Page and Small Opticians, we’re proud to offer one of the few optometrist-led children's eye clinics in the area. Our resident optometrist, Ray, is not only a father and grandfather but also holds a certificate in Paediatric Optometry. He runs a dedicated clinic focused solely on children’s eye care, ensuring that every child feels comfortable and engaged during their visit.

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Our dispensing team, led by our dispensing optician Abi, shares a passion for paediatric dispensing. Abi is particularly frustrated when she sees children in her social media feed wearing glasses that clearly don’t fit properly. It’s common to see frames that are too large and lenses that are thicker than necessary. Every child deserves a well-fitting pair of glasses, and we offer several specialised ranges, including Tomato Glasses, Centrostyle Active range and Nanovistas, to ensure that children have the best possible eyewear.

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Many parents mistakenly believe that vision checks are conducted automatically in schools, and whilst that is true for Greenwich, it doesn't happen in every borough and when it does the screenings are fairly basic, can be inconsistent and may miss significant issues. Early detection is vital, as many conditions—like lazy eye or squint—can be effectively treated when caught early.

By identifying and addressing vision problems promptly, we can help children achieve better outcomes that last a lifetime.

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What is available under the NHS for children?

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Children under the age of 16 (or 18 if they're in full-time education) are entitled to a free eye examination through the NHS.

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How old should my child be before having an eye examination?

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Children can have their first eye examination as early as six months old, though we typically recommend around age three. This ensures any issues are picked up early before school starts.  It's never too early to check that your child's eyes are healthy and developing as they should.

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Why does my child need to visit an Optometrist when they have eye checks at school?

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School eye screenings are helpful, but they only spot potential issues. A full eye examination at an optometrist checks your child’s vision more thoroughly and can detect things that may go unnoticed at school. It’s a more complete check-up.

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How often should my child have their eyes tested?

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Children’s vision often changes as they grow, so regular eye tests are important. Generally, we recommend an eye examination at least once a year, but your optometrist may suggest anywhere between 6-24 months depending on your child’s specific needs and risk factors. If you have any concerns about their vision or eye health, don’t wait—bring them in for a check-up sooner.

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What if my child doesn't know their letters yet?

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No worries at all! We have plenty of ways to assess your child’s eyes without relying on them knowing letters. We use fun shapes, pictures, and even lights to make the examination comfortable and easy for young ones.

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What if my child needs glasses?

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If they need glasses, the NHS will also contribute to the cost of the glasses by ways of the NHS Voucher System. We have a huge range of frame and lens options available so someone from our highly trained dispensing team will take you and your child through the range of frames available, advice on style and most importantly frame fitting. We will make recommendations about what might be the best option whilst being respectful of your budget. The NHS voucher will be deducted from the cost.  We currently offer a small range completely FREE within the value of the Voucher. For children and teens under 18, we give a £20 discount off complete glasses ordered with an NHS voucher.

More information about NHS Vouchers can be found here: 

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What frame and lens brands do you do?

We have a full and varied range of frames to suit all budgets for teenagers and children, in fact we probably have too many but don't worry, our dispensing team are here to help. Designer brands such as Nike, Lacoste, Calvin Klein Jeans & Ted Baker. Eco friendly brands Sea2See & Planet Pop. 

Core Brands such as Wolf Cubs and Wolf Teens, Arhlo, Rockstar, Zenith, Monteray, Solo, Matrix, ​Basebox, Kids Vision 

Character brands for younger Children, Barbie, Lol, Justice League. 

And finally specialist brands designed with Children's delicate features in mind such as Tomato Glasses, Nanovista, Centrostyle, Dilli Dali, Miraflex, Milo & Me, 

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​For lenses, again we have a full range but we love the Eyezen Kids range,  a range designed specifically with children and their features in mind. Eyezen Lenses offer UV Protection, Blue Light Filtering, and the DualOptimTM Kids technology means less aberrations, a wider field of vision than a standard lens and better visual comfort. 

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What happens if my child breaks or loses their glasses?

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Kids will be kids, and we understand these things happen! As parents ourselves, we offer 25% off the cost of repairing or replacing glasses in between eye examinations. The NHS may also contribute to the cost through the GOS4 repair or replacement voucher. So don’t worry, we’ve got you covered if your child’s glasses get broken or lost.

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Should I get an OCT scan or retinal photograph for my child?

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An OCT scan or retinal photograph is optional but can provide valuable baseline information about your child’s eye health. It costs £20 for an OCT scan and £10 for a retinal photograph for those under 25. Many children find it fascinating to see a part of their brain (the optic nerve), and it can be a fun and educational experience. While it’s not required, it’s a great way to get a more detailed look at their eye health alongside the standard NHS test.

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Can children wear contact lenses?

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Yes, children as young as 8 can wear contact lenses, especially if they’re active or find glasses a bit cumbersome. We’ll make sure they’re confident in handling and wearing their lenses safely. Every child is different, so we’ll discuss whether lenses are suitable.

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Can you see my child privately?

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Yes, we offer a private Young Person's Advanced Eye Examination for those under 25. This thorough examination lasts around 30-40 minutes in the consulting room and includes an OCT retinal scan. It's a more in-depth look at your child's eye health, offering advanced insights and ensuring everything is on track. The cost of this private exam is £52.50. 

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Do you accept hospital prescriptions, NHS vouchers, or prescriptions from other opticians?

Yes! We accept hospital prescriptions, NHS optical vouchers, and prescriptions from other opticians. If your child has been prescribed glasses elsewhere, simply bring the prescription and any NHS voucher provided, and we’ll be happy to help you find the right frames and lenses.

 

What is Myopia Management, and how can it help my child?

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Myopia, or short-sightedness, is when distant objects appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. It often develops in childhood and can worsen as a child grows.

Myopia Management (also known as Myopia Control) involves special lenses or treatments designed to slow the progression of myopia, helping to reduce the risk of higher prescriptions and associated eye health risks in the future.

To learn more about the options available and how we can help, visit our dedicated Myopia Management page.

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​​What should I watch out for as a parent?

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Concerned about your child's vision? Watch out for these signs:

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• One eye turning in or out, especially when tired.

• Frequent eye rubbing (except when tired).

• Watery eyes.

• Clumsiness or poor hand-eye coordination.

• Avoidance of reading, writing, or drawing.

• Scrunching eyes or frowning while reading or watching TV.

• Sitting too close to screens or holding objects close.

• Behavioural or concentration issues at school.

• Underperformance academically.

• Complaints of blurred or double vision, or unexplained headaches.

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Remember, kids are incredibly adaptable—even to challenges they might not realise they have.

If your child's vision has always been less than perfect, they might not complain because it's their normal. That’s why regular eye check-ups are crucial, even if they seem perfectly fine.

Children can be tested from age 3, but concerns can be addressed as young as 6 months old. Don’t worry if they don’t know their letters yet; we can use pictures during testing.

To book an appointment with our paediatric specialist optometrists, call 0208 293 9493 or request an appointment here.

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