Where to go for eye test for 5 yo

[Actuallylookingok]

My son says he needs glasses! Not sure if he wants to copy his friends or if there genuinely is a problem as he does get sore eyes! Can anyone recommend a company they would trust for an eye test..vision express, specsavers etc? Big thanks.

I would try an independent optician rather than chain. Also do they still do eye tests at school? You could ask school nurse (or health type person with links to school) for advice.

My family have always gone to Specsavers and have never had any problems, but it is a franchised company so I would go on local recommendations, or ask your HV.

indipendent.

try an opticians first. If he does need glasses he will probably be referred to an orthoptist at the local hospital for further appointments.

Ask your gp for a referral to local orthoptist first ! Be wary of any prescription that is +0.75 or less !!!

Why an independent over a chain? We have been going to D & A (now Boots) for years because the optician is a lovely lady and has looked after us very well.

We just took DCs to D&A (since taken over by Boots) as they were the opticians we used ourselves and we'd always been happy with the service.

i say indipendant as I have used spec savers and vision express and recently went to an indipendent and had a far better and thouragh examination, where photos of my eyes where taken and they even picked up on something very simple that the others had not and have adjusted my lenses as a result.

I find indipendant is slightly more personable and they definatly know and remember my dd. she does nkt wear glasses but has occassionaly came with me and has had her eyes tested.

(Meanwhile because she has hearing issues DD2 gets seen by the Moorfields outreach service which is technically excellent, no doubt far better than a high street optician but is a MAJOR faff (long wait in hot waiting room, not seen until 40 minutes after appointment time, then have to hang around for drops, then have to hang around more for drops to take effect, etc., etc.) compared with just popping into local optician for DS or DD1. I'd let the optician do the initial screen and then they can refer on if there's cause for concern.)

Boots took photographs of DS's retinas last time he had a check-up.

I take mine to Specsavers - youngest just discharged from orthopist to now have regular check with them. Was told they could go to high street one once 3 and can interact effectively with tests.

I wouldn't trust school eye tests, School one said ds1 was fine when he has glasses for lazy eye...

Agree with get a local recommendation from friend or family - especially if your ds has friends with glasses.

"I find indipendant is slightly more personable and they definatly know and remember my dd."

The Boots one we go to (ex D & A) is like going to an independent optician as it is a small branch. We all wear glasses in our family and have seen the same optician for many years so she knows us all. I don't feel that we have had an incorrect prescription or been mis-sold spectacles.

I've used Vision Express for years myself and both sons.
When I had an issue that needed checking out at Eye Hospital the latter were jealous of the equipment VE had for photographing my retina.