We encourage all children to have an eye examination before starting school. Children’s eyecare is included in our direct debit Family Eyecare plan, please call the practice for details.
Research suggests that one in five school children have an undetected eye problem. This is why we promote regular eye examinations from a young age. It has become widely recognised that without good vision children can experience developmental setbacks and lack in confidence.
Some eye conditions are recognisable before they become obvious to parents. Early diagnosis can be vital for effective treatment and to help a child’s development, both visually and in their ability to learn. Did you know a child does not have to be able to read to have an eye examination? Children who have not yet reached school age can still benefit from an assessment.
Myopia progression in children
Recently there has been evidence to suggest that more children are becoming myopic. Myopia (short sightedness) is a common eye problem where distance vision will be blurred and close vision will be clear.
This happens because the eye focuses light in front of the retina instead of on it. Myopia can develop at any age but its most likely to develop during childhood. Once myopia begins to develop it usually continues to worsen until young adulthood.
It is usually corrected with prescription spectacles or contact lenses. The development of myopia has been linked to several factors; family history, ethnic background, environment (spending a lot of time indoors) and time spent carrying out close work tasks.
Myopia increases the risk of certain eye conditions. These risks can increase the more myopic you become.
At Drage and Tozer we now offer the new Stellest lens. This has been designed by Essilor to help slow down the rate of myopia progression in children. For more information on the Stellest lens click here.
Our staff provide a welcoming environment to encourage youngsters to feel at ease during their visit to the opticians. We understand how intimidating it can be and therefore like to make the experience as fun and enjoyable as possible.
