Children's Eyecare
Correcting vision during this early stage in their life is important, as an undiagnosed eye problem could become permanent and irreversible in the future.
When should your child have their first eye examination?
- Between the ages of 2 and 8 a child’s visual system is rapidly changing so get them tested regularly
- If there is a family history of a lazy eye (amblyopia), a turn in the eye (strabismus) or other congenital eye conditions then your child should be examined between the ages of 1-2 years.
- All children should have their eyes examined before they start school.
- A child will often not report that their vision is blurred as they assume this is how everyone sees.
Does your child have vision problems?
These are some of the more common signs and symptoms:
- Not being able to see the school board/TV
- One eye turning (may only be present when tired or ill)
- Headaches, especially towards the evening
- Eye rubbing or blinking
- Complaining of double vision
Short-sightedness (Myopia)
In safe hands
Up until the age of seven or eight years old, most minor eye conditions that your child might be experiencing can often be completely rectified. Correcting vision during this early stage in their life is important, as an undiagnosed eye problem could become permanent and irreversible in the future.
Our friendly and approachable opticians use a variety of specialist equipment and techniques to keep children engaged throughout their assessment.
At the end of your child’s appointment, you will be given plenty of time to discuss any concerns you might have, and for our opticians to explain any findings they may have detected.
Childrens spectacle specialists
Parents, did you know that in the UK, to protect children, their spectacles can only be dispensed legally in store by GOC Registered Opticians.
Our highly experienced dispensing opticians will talk to you about suitable eyewear for your little one. In most cases, spectacles are recommended for children who require eyewear. Childrens’ spectacles are not just smaller adults frames, as children have their own facial characteristics such as flatter noses which is why we stock a range of comfortable, colourful, practical frames which have been expertly designed with babies and children in mind. Which is why we stock Tomato Frames https://tomatoglasses.com/ Available in sizes from newborn to teens and adults.
Overlay & Colorimetry
Concerned about your child’s or grandchild’s education progression?
As well as a sight test you might want to book a special investigation of visual problems relevant to reading. Visual stress or binocular instability can both be a factor contributing to a child’s reading difficulties. We may prescribe normal spectacles, coloured overlays or glasses which may alleviate some visual reading problems (visual fatigue / stress). But fewer than one in five people with dyslexia may have visual stress.
A coloured specialised transparent sheet that can be placed over a page of a book. It’s important to assess the effects of a wide range of overlay colours so the print is no longer viewed on a white background.
Overlay Assessment – (Not available on the NHS) – £25.00
Overlay Sheet – £15.00 each
Colorimetry – Curve
If overlays make a difference, the next step after a few weeks, might be to use our newest Curve colorimetry. Colorimetry refines the colour needed for spectacle lenses.
Coloured spectacles – The colour has to be selected with precision as the colour for an overlay often differs from the optimum colour for the Cerium spectacle lenses.
Coloured spectacle lenses are usually only considered when a patient has used an overlay and found it beneficial. If there is a very marked improvement with the overlay, then a trial period of 4 to 6 weeks is adequate. If response is less marked, it Is sensible to see whether the overlays continues to be used without prompting for longer, e.g. a school / college term.
Colorimetry Curve Assessment – (Not available on the NHS) – £55.00
University & College students can sometimes qualify for a grant towards this.
Cost of Plano or prescription lenses with precision cerium tint – £160.00, an NHS spectacle voucher may reduce this if the child has a new spectacle prescription but they only get one NHS voucher so this is sometimes better used for an alternative clear pair for general use.
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Other Products
Designer Eyewear
At Thornton Optometry & Co we believe that you should have the choice of some of the best spectacles available, which is why we stock an impressive range of frames featuring some of the world’s best brands. We recognise choosing new eyewear can be a big decision for some, so all the team are always on hand to help or offer extra advice if required. You’ll find we have a wide range of frames including designer frames & non-designer options to suit all preferences and budgets.
Specialist Lenses
A spectacle prescription is not all you require to make up that perfect pair of spectacles, at Thornton Optometry & Co we will discuss the best lens options for your needs. We are dedicated to helping patients discover the latest in lens design, promoting a healthy vision for all ages. We invest in all the latest optical instruments to deliver an expert service to each and every patient.