Service . 04 of 06

Children's eye care, made gentle.

Free NHS examinations for under-16s. Unhurried, friendly, family-paced appointments. We make eye tests something children look forward to. No scary equipment, no medical mystery, no rushing.

Free on NHS Under 16s covered Family friendly

What it is

Age3+

We can test most children from age three. Earlier if there are concerns.

An examination they will enjoy.

Most children's eye conditions are easily fixed if caught early. Lazy eye, squint, short-sightedness, long-sightedness, astigmatism. The earlier we find them, the easier they are to correct, and the better the outcome for the child's lifelong vision.

Children's examinations are not just adult examinations done quickly. We use picture-based charts for children who cannot yet read letters. We use retinal imaging instead of bright lights when we can. We let parents stay in the room, always. We talk to the child, not over them.

If your child needs glasses, we give the same time to the styling appointment as we do for adults. Frames designed for children's faces, in colours and shapes they actually like, with hinges that survive being sat on. Free under-16s frames available on the NHS, with paid upgrades if you want something specific.

01 . Age-appropriate

Age-appropriate vision test

Picture charts for the youngest, letter charts when they are reading. The right test for their stage.

02 . Eye-health

Eye-health screening

Same checks as an adult, adapted for children. We catch conditions before they affect schoolwork.

03 . Refraction

Refraction

Their prescription, found gently. We use techniques that work without needing them to give long verbal answers.

04 . Squint

Squint and lazy-eye assessment

Specific tests for the eye-coordination conditions that matter most in childhood.

05 . Frame

Frame selection

If glasses are needed, we help them pick frames they actually want to wear. The hardest part of the appointment, usually.

06 . Plain-language

Plain-language summary

We explain everything to the child first, then to the parent. Both leave knowing what is going on.

. NHS & Pricing

Free NHS eye examinations for all under-16s, and for 16-18 year olds in full-time education. Free NHS optical voucher towards the cost of glasses for the same group. We accept the voucher in full for our basic frame range, with paid upgrades available for children who want a specific brand or design.

How young can my child be examined?

We can usually test from age three, sometimes earlier if there is a specific concern. Babies and very young children with suspected eye problems are usually referred to a hospital paediatric eye service rather than an opticians.

Will they need to read letters?

Not if they cannot yet. We use picture charts, matching games, and observational tests for younger children. The examination adapts to the child.

How often should children be examined?

Once a year for any child wearing glasses or with a known eye condition. Every two years for children with no known concerns. The NHS funds annual examinations for under-16s, so there is no reason to wait longer.

My child does not want to wear glasses. What can we do?

We let them choose the frames. That solves it for most children. We have frames they actively want to wear. We can also explain to them, in their own language, why the glasses help. That conversation is easier when it is not happening in front of three siblings in a hurry.

Can siblings be tested together?

We do not test simultaneously, but we can usually fit siblings in back-to-back. Tell us when booking and we will arrange it.

What if I think they need glasses but the school screening said they were fine?

School screenings are basic. They miss a lot. If you are concerned, book an examination. The NHS examination is free, takes twenty-five minutes, and gives you a definite answer.