Book your child’s free eye test at Specsavers Cardiff

Paid collaboration with Specsavers Cardiff

With the new school year under way, now is the perfect time to book your children an eye test. Blurry text or images can lead to headaches or eye strain, which can have a huge impact on your child’s ability to learn. And even if they’re not reporting any issues, an eye test gives your eyes a full health check, which can lead to an early diagnosis of any issues.

I took my three children to Specsavers on Cardiff’s Albany Road – a trusted name when it comes to eye care, and with all of Specsavers’ stores locally owned and run, each business is at the heart of supporting its local community and customers too.

Don’t worry if your child’s eye test is overdue or if they’ve never had one

The good news is that eye tests are free for children in the UK if they are under 16 or 16 to 19 and in full-time education with the cost covered by the NHS. And, if they need glasses, children can choose from a range of styles for free.

Children should be having regular eye tests from the age of around four – or sooner if you have any concerns about their eyes. 

If your child has never had a test, or it’s overdue, don’t worry, just book and the team will be more than happy to take you through the process. After school and weekend appointments are available, or book ahead now for October half term.

As Jess Borley, partner at Specsavers on Albany Road says, “We recommend children have an eye test done at least every two years. It doesn’t matter if your kids haven’t been in before. We see children from young ages up to teenagers come in for their first eye test.”

Eye tests have certainly changed over the years, with letters appearing on digital screens and high-tech machines scanning the eyes for a range of conditions and to check they are working healthily. Each of my children’s eye tests took around 30 minutes. Younger children can also pick up a free activity pack in store, filled with activities and stickers to collect for each step of the process.

If your child is nervous about having a test or has specific needs, then chat to the store as they can advise on quieter times to visit or any adaptations that can be made. 

Helpful guidance on looking after your eyes

None of my children needed glasses after our visit but we were given helpful advice and guidance on maintaining eye health, such as screen time and getting outside, which can help prevent short sightedness, known as myopia – something opticians have seen an increase in in recent years as children’s average screen time increases.

As Jess explains, “Our advice for children to maintain really good vision, is to always have regular breaks from screens and if you using screens, make sure you are holding it at a nice comfortable long working distance and not holding your phones and screens too close, and spending time outdoors. The NHS guidance is that we spend at least two hours a day outdoors to maintain good healthy eyes.”

Opticians can help with a range of eye conditions

Jess also points out that you can see an optician for a wide range of issues, and that they can prescribe appropriate medication, under the Emergency Eye Care Scheme in Wales. For example, conjunctivitis and dry eye or emergency eye conditions such as red eyes, painful eyes, sudden vision changes, floaters, or foreign bodies.

Specsavers in Cardiff can be found on Albany Road, Llanishen retail park, Queen Street, Leckwith and Penarth, or visit the Specsavers website to find your nearest branch