Kids

Specialist Care for Young Eyes

A child’s vision is a gift to be treasured. Every parent is responsible for caring for their children’s eyes and to help fulfil this we’ve developed the ‘Young Eyes’ clinic that specialises in examining younger patients.
 
It is widely recognised that without good vision, children can experience developmental setbacks that could easily be avoided with simple eye examinations. Based on this we’ve created the following Tompkins Knight & Son Young Eyes Philosophy:
 
“Good vision is every child’s passport to the future.”
 
We provide a comfortable, friendly and fun environment that enables youngsters to feel at ease while having their eyes examined. We understand that an unfamiliar environment can be intimidating so we try to make the whole experience as enjoyable as possible!
 
In order to prevent unnecessary problems arising we recommend that all children have a comprehensive eye examination from the age of one, and if all is OK then at least every two years after that. Please call us to book an appointment – it’s never too soon to start caring for your children’s eyes.
 

The Facts

It’s easy to assume that your child can see properly, but this isn’t always the case. Regular eye examinations are the only way to ensure that there are no problems. Before you make an appointment here are some facts to consider:

• As young eyes grow, vision can change rapidly, and children may not understand when something is wrong
• Modern research suggests that one in five school children have an undetected eye problem
• A child’s vision is not fully developed before they start school, however early diagnosis and treatment can prevent permanent disabilities and vision defects such as “squints” or “lazy eyes”
• Your child’s life skills and learning could suffer if issues remain undetected
• Early diagnosis leads to more effective treatment and younger children are also more likely to accept using glasses

We understand the importance of giving you peace of mind about your child’s vision, so call us today and book an appointment.
 

NHS & Young Eyes

We recommend children have a comprehensive eye examination at least every two years. There’s no reason not to, as it won’t cost you a penny. Children’s eye examinations are available without charge, through the NHS, up to the age of 16, or 19 if they are in full time education.
 
If a correction is required following the eye examination you will be entitled to a NHS voucher to contribute towards the cost of your child’s glasses or contact lenses. The value of the voucher is determined by the degree of correction required.
 
At TK&S Optometrists we keep records of all our patient’s eyes on our database. To help us maintain this essential archive all our children’s retinal photographs are taken free of charge. Please call us to book an appointment – it’s never too soon to start caring for your children’s eyes.
 

Early Warning Signs

If you suspect that something’s wrong, book an appointment with us as soon as possible. Here are some common symptoms to look out for:

• Excessive blinking
• Squinting or screwing up the eyes to see
• Peering closely at books and TV
• Clumsiness
• Poor performance at school
• Reluctance to read
• Headaches

The likelihood is that everything will be fine, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. The sooner any problems are detected the quicker they can be rectified and your child can start to fully enjoy their vision again.
 

Special Assessment

Fran Howell is the practice’s Behavioural Optometrist. This means she’s a specialist in children’s visual development and functional visual problems in children and adults. Fran runs our special assessment and vision therapy clinic on Wednesdays. Her clinic is ideal for children or adults with reading difficulties (such as dyslexia) or good readers who are experiencing symptoms of discomfort or transient blurring despite wearing up-to-date glasses.
 
As well as a normal eye examination, a full visual skills assessment is included which investigates:

• Focusing skills
• Convergence (eye teaming)
• Eye movement skills including Tracking
• Visual perceptual problems
• Directional awareness
• Visual stress

In order to prevent visual problems worsening Fran is involved in the effects of lenses beyond providing clear sight. Her clinic utilises lenses, prisms, exercises and vision therapy to treat the problems she encounters.
 

Questionnaire

If you have any concerns about your child’s vision a questionnaire (in Adobe Acrobat format) will help determine whether your child will benefit from an appointment at our special assessment and vision therapy clinic. Just click the link below, print the questionnaire, fill it in and remember to bring it with you when you attend.
 
Please click here for the Questionnaire