Children & Teens
We make our eye examination child friendly with pictures instead of letters for very small children. There are several tests specifically checking a child’s visual development such as 3-D vision. We recommend children should have at least one eye examination before starting school, or younger if there is any family history of vision or eye problems.
We have very advanced equipment at Hassocks eyecare to enable us to offer the best care for your children’s eyes. If you would like to book an Optomap scan for a child under the age of 16, the cost is only £5.00. Please see the page linked here for more information on our Optomap.
If glasses are needed we have over 300 frames just for youngsters in stock including sports specific frames, and we are very happy to fit contact lenses as soon as your child seems ready.
Our Optometrist Francesca holds the additional qualification of Professional Certificate in Paediatric Eyecare and has lots of experience particularly helping children with visual problems affecting reading. It is recommended you book your child either an NHS funded eye examination with any one of optometrists or a longer private eye examination with Francesca to explore whether glasses, prisms or coloured filters are helpful.
Myopia Management for Children
We have a page dedicated to exploring the options for Myopia Management. If your child is Myopic and you’d like more information, please follow the link below, or give us a call on 01273 843946.
Frames for Children and Teens
We have hundreds of styles of childrens and teens eyewear in stock, so there’s plenty to choose from. With our team of Qualified Dispensing Opticians on hand to help your kids find their perfect pair of frames, there’s no need to wait around until the Optometrist is free to check. Our range of Children’s Eyewear is specially curated to provide the ideal fit, comfort, and security, to ensure their glasses don’t slide down or pinch.
Younger children have quite different facial anatomy compared to adults, so it’s important to us to offer frames such as Tomato Glasses, Active Kids, Miraflex, and other adjustable and flexible kids ranges.
FAQ’s
How old does my child have to be for an eye test?
We can see children of any age. We recommend at least one eye test before starting school, however if there are any concerns or any family history of vision or eye issues then we are happy to see younger children.
How often can my child have an eye test?
Once a child has had an eye test, the Optometrist will determine the frequency of further examinations. This will depend on ocular symptoms, as well as age.
Do we have to pay for a Child’s Eye Test at Hassocks Eyecare Centre?
We can offer any child under the age of 16 a free NHS Sight Test at Hassocks Eyecare Centre. This is subject to the recall that has been set by the Optometrist who last tested their eyes. Once a child turns 16, they remain entitled to an NHS Sight Test until their 19th birthday, as long as they are in full time education. We also offer a reduced price Private Eye Examination for those between the ages of 19 to 23 years old.
My child is having visual issues when they read. Is there anything you can do to help?
It is always helpful to arrange an eye examination even if just to rule out a visual element to the cause or poor reading performance. Sometimes visual symptoms such as visual stress are alleviated with coloured filters. We also offer a service to assess if glasses or filters are beneficial for your child.
Our Paediatric specialist Optometrist, Francesca, offers a Reading Difficulties Assessment, which may be beneficial. Click the link below to read more.