NHS children’s eye tests in Worcester, specialist frames and experienced care
Children’s eye examinations at Actons Opticians are carried out by Victoria Merrett, our resident optometrist and co-owner of the practice.
Good vision is important for a child’s learning, development and confidence. Children may not always realise that their sight is blurry or uncomfortable, so regular eye examinations can help identify changes early and make sure they are seeing as clearly and comfortably as possible.
We provide NHS children’s eye examinations in a calm, friendly environment and take time to explain the results clearly to parents and carers. Our aim is to make the appointment straightforward and reassuring for both you and your child.
When should a child have an eye examination?
It is sensible to arrange an eye examination if you have any concerns about your child’s vision, if they are struggling to see the board at school, sitting very close to screens or books, frequently rubbing their eyes, complaining of headaches, or if there is a family history of eye problems.
Even if your child does not report any problems, a routine eye examination can check vision, comfort and eye health, and can help monitor visual development as they grow.
Our guide to children’s eye health and summer eye tests explains common warning signs, NHS eligibility and ways to prepare for the new school term.
Colour vision and colour blindness
Some children have difficulty distinguishing particular colours without realising that they see them differently from other people. The most common inherited form is red–green colour vision deficiency, which is much more common in boys.
Parents may notice a child repeatedly confusing certain colours, struggling with colour-coded schoolwork or finding some colour-based games and activities difficult. Colour vision can be assessed using specially designed tests during an eye examination.
Read our guide to colour blindness, including the different types, why it is more common in boys, how it is tested and what it can mean in everyday life and future career choices.
What happens during the appointment?
The examination is adapted to your child’s age and confidence. We use appropriate tests to assess how well they can see, how their eyes work together and whether glasses may be helpful. We will also check the health of the eyes and discuss any symptoms or concerns you have noticed at home or school.
After the examination, Victoria will explain the findings, answer your questions and advise whether glasses, monitoring or further referral is needed.
Children’s lenses
Children do not use their glasses in quite the same way as adults. They tend to look through a wider area of the lens, move their eyes more rather than always turning their head, and need lenses that can cope with school, screens, play and everyday knocks. We therefore consider lens design, material, thickness, impact resistance and coating as carefully as the frame itself.
Eyezen Kids lenses
Eyezen Kids is Essilor’s enhanced single-vision lens for children aged approximately 6 to 12. Unlike a standard single-vision lens that is mainly optimised through its optical centre, Eyezen Kids is designed around children’s facial measurements, closer working distances and the different directions in which they look through their lenses. This can provide a wider, more comfortable area of clear vision for schoolwork, screens and everyday activities.
Crizal Kids coating
Crizal Kids is a practical coating option for children’s lenses, helping reduce reflections and making the lenses more resistant to the scratches, smudges, water and dust that come with everyday wear. It also makes the lenses easier to keep clean. No coating makes a lens indestructible, but a durable, easy-clean coating can be especially worthwhile for children who wear their glasses throughout the day.
We will explain whether Eyezen Kids, Crizal Kids or another lens and coating combination is most suitable for your child’s age, prescription, frame and daily activities.
Specialist children’s frames
We stock a range of children’s spectacle frames designed to provide a secure, comfortable fit for younger wearers. Getting the fit right is especially important for children, as frames need to stay in the correct position during school, play and everyday activities.
This includes Tomato Glasses, a specialist children’s frame range designed especially for younger children. Their lightweight design, adjustability and secure fit make them a popular choice for children who need glasses from an early age.
We will be happy to advise on suitable frame and lens options based on age, prescription, fit, daily routine and activities.
Hospital prescriptions and NHS optical vouchers
If your child has attended a hospital eye clinic and has been issued with a prescription and NHS optical voucher, you are welcome to bring them to Actons Opticians.
We have extensive experience helping children who have been issued with prescriptions following hospital appointments and can advise on suitable frames and lenses for your child’s prescription.
NHS optical vouchers can be used towards the cost of children’s glasses, and our team will be happy to explain the options available and answer any questions you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are children’s eye examinations available through the NHS?
Free NHS sight tests are available for children under 16 and for young people aged 16, 17 or 18 who are in full-time education.
Does my child need to be able to read?
No. Children can have their eyes examined at any age. Pictures, symbols and other age-appropriate tests can be used if they cannot yet read letters.
How often should my child have an eye examination?
Victoria will advise when your child should return, based on their age, eyesight, prescription and any concerns found during the examination.
Can you help with a hospital prescription?
Yes. Please book a dispensing appointment and bring the hospital prescription and NHS optical voucher with you. This allows us to set aside enough time to help you choose suitable frames and lenses.
What are Eyezen Kids lenses?
Eyezen Kids are enhanced single-vision lenses designed around the way children look through their glasses, including their facial measurements, closer working distances and wider gaze directions.
What is Crizal Kids?
Crizal Kids is a durable, easy-clean coating option for children’s lenses that helps reduce reflections and resist scratches, smudges, water and dust during everyday wear.
Back to Eyecare for more related services and eye health advice.
Would you like to arrange a children’s appointment?
Please tell us which appointment your child needs. Choose a children’s eye examination if they need their sight and eye health checked, or a dispensing appointment if they already have a hospital prescription and NHS optical voucher.