Opticians in Monkstown, Newtownabbey, Belfast : Andrews Opticians

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The Importance of Eye Testing in Children

Children's eye tests and free glasses

FREE EYE EXAMINATIONS for children aged 18 years or younger and in full time education.

Click here to download our brochure on the 'Back to School Children's Eye Care Campaign'.

Regular eye examinations are important, they can be overlooked and many minor visual defects can result in common day to day difficulties for children.  At Andrews Opticians we are currently running an eye clinic aimed to address visual problems suffered by school children.   According to research, “only 38% of children visit the optometrist once every two years, whereas 92% will have visited the dentist over the same period” (IPSOS April 2009). 

A recent study showed that of 800 children tested approximately 50 per cent have required some form of treatment. Often an issue only presents itself when a teacher or carer thinks there is a problem, even though the child may have been suffering for a much greater length of time (Optician Nov 08).

More recently a study found that, “children in Northern Ireland are three times more likely to be longsighted than in any other country in the world”, (Northern Ireland Childhood Errors Refraction Study, Jan 2010).  Many parents fail to realise that free early eye care is available in most high street opticians and if spectacles are required, most opticians will also provide these free of charge.

Regular sight testing and visual diagnosis can:

•    Help increase ability to study
•    Improve levels of reading ability
•    Reduce Inattentiveness / Hyperactivity
•    Early detection of Amblyopia (lazy eyes)
•    Improve general health and well being

At Andrews Opticians we are committed to providing “Care Within The Community”

Please feel free to contact us to make an appointment or to discuss any concerns you may have regarding your child’s eyes, in the hope that we may be able to assist with their educational development and general medical health.

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