Everybody who is under 16 (or up to 19 AND in full time education) is entitled to a free NHS sight test.
A children’s sight test can be very different from an adult sight test and each one that is performed at our practice is designed around the patient and their ability. They do not need to be able to read or even know their letters as we have pictures, numbers and cartoons that we can use. We also have extra tests like colour vision and 3D vision tests that help us to further assess the child’s sight.
The outcome of the sight test will be explained both to the child and their parent and if glasses are needed then they will be shown around our large choice of frames. If your child needs spectacles, an NHS voucher will be issued that you can put towards your child’s new glasses. Most of our large range is FREE with the NHS voucher and designer styles are available at additional cost. Each child will be given a specifically designed prescription card to take home which tells them if they do or do not need glasses, and if they do, what they need to wear them for.
Children need a sight test at least every year and sometimes more frequently than that. Each child will get a reminder letter, addressed to them, in the post when they are due for their next appointment.