Why Back-to-School Eye Tests Matter

With a new school year just around the corner, Julie Walker from John Laverty Optometrists shares why children’s eyecare deserves top priority.

Behind every great business there are always instrumental women, and our business is no different.

Over the upcoming months you’ll get to meet various female members of our team and get to learn a little about a topic they are interested in.

Enjoy the read and as always, this column can be a two-way conversation, feel free to contact us in the practice or on social media or send us an email at info@johnlaverty.co.uk.

Thanks Brian McKeown, Optometrist

Good vision is fundamental to a child’s development, learning, and overall well-being.

From navigating the playground to excelling in the classroom, clear sight allows children to fully engage with the world around them.

Yet, many children’s vision problems go undetected, often because young ones don’t realise their sight isn’t as it should be.

The NHS offers free sight tests for children under 16, and these comprehensive checks can identify issues like short-sightedness (myopia), far-sightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, or more serious conditions like lazy eye (amblyopia) or a squint.

Early detection is key, as many vision problems, if caught in the first years of childhood, can be corrected or managed effectively, preventing long-term impact on a child’s visual development.

Once a prescription is identified, choosing the right glasses becomes crucial.

Well-fitting frames isn’t just about aesthetics; it directly impacts comfort, effectiveness, and a child’s willingness to wear their glasses.

Frames that are too big will constantly slip down the nose, leading to discomfort and the child looking over the lenses instead of through them.

Professional measurement ensures the frames sit correctly at the nose bridge, the pupils are aligned with the centre of the lenses, and the sides are the appropriate length for a secure, comfortable fit that won’t slip during play.

Beyond the frame, the choice of lens is equally vital. Children’s lenses need to be durable and safe.

Advice on lens treatments can make a significant difference:

• Anti-reflective lenses reduce glare and improve visual clarity, particularly important with increased screen time.
• UV protection is also critical, shielding young eyes from harmful sun rays.

We hold 6x kids prescription sunglasses from £30.

Involving your child in the selection process can also increase their enthusiasm for wearing glasses.

By combining professional expertise with your child’s preferences, you ensure they have comfortable, effective, and appealing eyewear, setting them on the path to a lifetime of healthy vision.

John Laverty Optometrists
📍 Ballymoney | Coleraine | Garvagh
📞 028 7034 2624
🌐 www.johnlaverty.co.uk
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