At Scrivens Opticians, we are dedicated to providing affordable, high-quality, and expert eye care tailored for children. Our commitment is to offer easy access to professional eye examinations, including NHS funded eye tests, to ensure your child receives the best possible care.
Good vision is essential for learning, exploring, and interacting with the world. Regular eye tests help identify issues early, allowing for timely intervention to prevent bigger problems.
Addressing their vision concerns supports children with school work, their social interactions, and their overall confidence. By ensuring children’s eyes are well cared for, we help them navigate the world clearly and build a foundation for a healthy and successful future.
Paul Sidhu, one of our Optometrists explains more about the importance of regular eye checks for children in this video.
Every child should have a complete eye examination before starting primary school and regular check-ups throughout their school years.
The NHS provides free eye tests for children under 16 (or under 19 in full-time education). If your child has a prescription, then an NHS funded optical voucher will be provided which can be used on a range of free kids glasses or towards the cost of a more expensive pair. Book an eye test at your nearest Scrivens Opticians branch, and ensure your child’s vision is well taken care of.
Children can experience various eye conditions that impact their vision. Some of the most common are Myopia (short-sightedness), Astigmatism, which causes blurred vision and Amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye.
At Scrivens, our regular check-ups can swiftly identify and resolve any vision issues. If you notice any signs of discomfort or changes in your child’s eyesight, seek our expert advice by booking an eye test.
We have a wide selection of frames made just for kids, including a range of prescription glasses which are free – funded by the NHS. Our team is here to help your child pick frames that feel good and look great, with lots of styles and colours to choose from.
If your child prefers not to wear glasses, we also have contact lenses available for kids, giving them another option for clear vision. Whether it’s glasses or contact lenses, we’re here to ensure your child can see well and feel confident.
We know how important clear vision is for children as they learn and grow. That’s why we offer a fantastic range of offers designed to make eye care more accessible and affordable.
With free NHS eye tests for children and a great selection of stylish, high-quality glasses, we make it easy to find the perfect pair for your little one. Plus, we have fantastic offers on frames, lens upgrades, and contact lenses to keep up with even the most active kids.
Not sure what to expect? Watch our helpful video below to see how easy and comfortable an eye test can be. It’s a fun and simple way to explain to kids the process of going to the opticians for the first time.
Discover answers to the most frequently asked questions on children’s eye care. If you still have questions, please do not hesitate to contact your local branch.
To book your children’s eye test with Scrivens, you can simply book online. Choose your nearest branch and select an available time and date that suits you. Alternatively, call or pop into your local branch. Book today.
Children’s eye tests at our branches are designed to be enjoyable and child-friendly. Our Optometrists are trained to create a welcoming atmosphere, and you can stay with your child during the test. Despite using different equipment, the accuracy of your child’s eye test is not compromised.
Regular eye tests for children are essential because it can be difficult to notice sight problems with children’s eye sight. Keep an eye out for signs like straining or tilting their head to see better, frequent eye rubbing, reading difficulties, sensitivity to light, falling behind in school, complaints of headaches or tired eyes, sitting too close to screens, closing one eye for better vision, and a ‘white reflex’ in photographs (which needs immediate medical attention). Being aware of these signs helps catch potential eye issues early on.
We recommend that children have their eyes tested before they start school. Tests suitable for infants and preschoolers who cannot read or recognise letters are available. If you have any concerns about your child’s eyesight at an early age, it’s recommended to consult your local Scrivens’ Opticians. However, if there are no concerns, it’s advisable to wait until your child is around three-and-a-half years old before scheduling a comprehensive eye examination. Even if your child’s vision seems fine, it’s a good idea to have a full eye test by a qualified optician to ensure there are no issues that might impact their early year’s education.
Ensure your child feels at ease for their upcoming eye exam by explaining it as a simple check for healthy eyes. Take time to visit your local branch together beforehand to create a familiar environment. Introduce them to the tools that will be used, and let them bring a comforting item for added reassurance. Choose a convenient time for the examination, maintain a calm and supportive presence, and perhaps consider a small reward for their cooperation. These steps create a positive and reassuring environment for your child during their eye test.
If your child has a prescription, then they will be entitled to an NHS optical voucher and free pair of glasses funded by the NHS. If your child prefers glasses that are not included in our “free” range, or even an adult or designer frame, then they can upgrade and a discount of £39 will be applied to the frame price. Scrivens have a wide range of frames for kids in all shapes, sizes and colours.