Free on the NHS, picture charts, and frames the voucher covers
Children's eye tests
Children's eye tests are free on the NHS and we do them from about three years old, with picture charts, no reading needed, a parent in the room, and drops only when they tell us something we need to know. If glasses are needed, the NHS voucher covers a children's frame and lenses in full.
A child who cannot see the board does not know it, because they have never seen it any other way. A lazy eye not caught by seven is hard to fix at ten. So children's tests are the ones we take most slowly, with the picture chart, the stickers, and a parent on the chair next to them.
From about three we can measure vision with pictures and shapes, check that the eyes work together, and look at the health of the eye. No reading is needed and nothing hurts. If we need to see the back of the eye properly or measure a prescription accurately in a young child, we use drops that blur the vision for a few hours; we tell you first and you can bring sunglasses. Older children have the same examination as an adult, with the OCT scan.
If glasses are needed the NHS voucher covers a frame from our children's range and the lenses in full, and we fit them properly, because a frame that slides down a nose is a frame that gets left in a bag. Children's frames come with a free repair or replacement in the first year, and a free re-check whenever a parent is worried. Schools in Whitchurch, Rhiwbina and Llandaff North send us their referral letters directly.
What is included
- Free NHS sight test from about three years old
- Picture charts, no reading needed, a parent in the room
- Drops only when needed, explained first
- NHS voucher covers a children's frame and lenses in full
- Free repair or replacement in the first year
- Free re-check whenever a parent is worried
What it costs
Free on the NHS for under-sixteens and under-nineteens in full-time education. The NHS voucher covers a children's frame and lenses in full from our children's range. Prices include VAT where it applies. The prices page has every price, the NHS voucher table, and a contact lens plan builder.
Questions about children
How young can you test?
From about three, with pictures and shapes. Younger if a health visitor or GP has asked, or if you are worried about an eye turning or a lazy eye; ring and talk to Elin.
Will the voucher really cover the whole cost?
Yes, for a frame from our children's range and standard lenses. If a child needs a thinner lens for a strong prescription, the NHS adds a supplement for that too. The only time there is a cost is if you choose a frame from the adult range.
Book an eye examination.
Forty minutes with the optometrist, the OCT scan included, £35 or free on the NHS if you qualify. Tell us the days that suit and Val confirms a time within the working day. Sudden eye problem? Ring, and you are seen today.