INFO FOR PARENTS

As adults we all know how precious our sight is. As parents you need to know that although serious sight problems in children are rare in the UK, there are common eye defects that could affect your child for life if left untreated. Your newborn can see, but their eyes take up until age three to mature. The pathways carrying information from the eye to the brain are still developing up until age seven.

If vision in one eye is poor before the eyes are fully mature then the visual pathway may not develop properly in that eye. This condition is called Amblyopia, or Lazy Eye. It's treatable if detected by age seven to eight, but after this it can't be corrected, even with glasses. These changes are not monitored unless you have your baby checked.

People often assume that because you read a chart when you come for a test, we won't be able to test your baby if they can't talk or read. Don't worry, we have other ways to assess your baby's sight, and we try to make fun! Most children love visiting, and it's covered by the NHS.

Even when they can speak, your toddler might not be able to tell you that they can't see properly. as what they see is normal to them. If your child can't see properly it may cause problems socially, developmentally and emotionally.

Watch out for any signs that your children may have problems with their sight - including squinting, rapid blinking, and sitting very close to the TV. If you or your partner wears glasses then your children may have inherited more than just your good looks! Eye defects can be hereditary and an eye examination will give you peace of mind.

We would love to meet your babies, and help them on the first steps to good eye health. We can give you uninterrupted, relaxed time with our Opticians, and answer all your questions. Book an appointment at any of our branches.