Eyesight Query

[Stellaris22]

I took DD (8) for a routine eye test and her eyesight has gotten a lot worse (short sighted, -7.25). Both myself and husband are very short sighted so expected.

Optician has now advised she needs check ups every 3 months and if they keep getting worse to be referred to hospital. We were told surgery won't be needed.

What would a specialist at a hospital do that an optician can't? Just a bit confused.

It might be because there are specialist orthoptists based in the hospital that are more versed in child eye issues. My dd was under hospital orthoptist care for several years between age 1½ until age 8 and then we were discharged to a local optician

It could be for a few reasons....the incidence of eye problems increases with high short-sightedness, sometimes a check over my a consultant can be worthwhile, it may be that the hospital has asked opticians in the area to refer children over a certain prescription to them.

The wouldn't usually see an orthoptist unless the is a problem with the eye muscles in the eyes.

Although there is an obvious genetic link - Did the optometrist talk to you about ways that you can try and prevent her myopia (short-sightedness) progressing so quickly?

The optician just said to have more regular check ups, so every 3 months.

She did have two eye sight tests as the second test needed those drops to widen her pupils.

Thank you for the replies!