Do you have questions about children’s eye health? Ask Specsavers expert - £200 voucher to be won

[BellaMumsnet]

Whether you’re wondering when to schedule your child’s first eye test or have concerns about the effects of screen time on their eyes, Specsavers senior optician Maria McAllister is here to provide expert guidance.

• Everyone who shares a questions on the thread below by the 25th August 2024 will be entered into a prize draw
• One lucky Mumsnet user will win a £200 voucher for a store of their choice
• Maria will be back on the week of the 26th August 2024 to answer some of your questions

About Maria McAllister, BA BSc (Hons) MCOptom, Specsavers Lead Clinical Performance Consultant: “Maria graduated from the University of Ulster in 2009 with a BSc in Optometry and completed her pre-registration at Specsavers Montrose. She then served as a resident optometrist and practice manager at Duncan and Todd Optician, becoming retail director by 2017, overseeing professional services, hearing care, and retail departments. Maria joined Specsavers in 2021 in the clinical performance team. Driven by a passion for supporting and engaging people, Maria also pursued a BA in Business Management and is currently completing an MSc in counselling and psychotherapy.”

Here’s what Maria has to say:
‘Your child’s eyes are special. In the early years, vision helps them find out about the world around them, about their home, about you. Later, as they go through school, their eyesight lets them learn and discover — in fact, about 80% of what is taught in schools is presented visually. Being able to see clearly is therefore incredibly important in your child’s overall development. Here at Specsavers we take your child’s eyesight seriously, so I'm looking forward to answering your questions.'

Thanks and good luck!
MNHQ

Insight Terms and Conditions apply

Are there things to look out for in very young children that may suggest long or short sightedness?

What age should a child have their first eye test?

Ah, this is just an everyday preventative screen, that is not going to happen in my world without any specific need ( e.g eye issue). It's hard enough to get an appt and then referral when there is a clear need.

My DS 6 won't wear sunglasses - but will wear a peaked cap - I worry about sun damage on eyes. Can you recommend good quality sunglasses with a low prescription for a child ?

Can you slow progression of short sight and if so what helps?

How often should you get your children's eyes tested? I don't think I have done so for my children and don't remember having it done as a child so some guidance would be really helpful please

I think eye examination rooms are too 'sterile' looking - do you think having a room which is more child friendly would help make the experience less traumatic - a scaled down chair, a projector on the wall making child friendly characters walking across the room. Also helpful when I take both DC's and one is waiting for the other.

What are the most robust type of glasses for a 7 year old child who is hyperactive?

Is there a website when I can choose an optician from feedback given from patients visits, either at a Specsavers branch or an independent ? I find some opticians who are child friendly - some not so much. I want to choose an optician where the visits will be a good experience - one they are happy to repeat annually.

At what stage in a babies development would you know if there were issues with long/shortsightedness ?

When should you book your child's first eye test? I have 2 year old twins - can I book a joint appointment?

Is there a research confirming that Esslor Stellest (special glasses that claim to reduce progression of short sightedness) glasses actually work? If yes, could you please provide a link? What is your opinion on them?
From what prescription would you advise glasses (normal, not the ones I refer to above): -0.25, -0.5, -1?

What are your thoughts about the amounts of chorine in the water in public swimming pools on young children's eyes ? I can't get my DC's to wear swimming goggles in the pool.

My kids are not keen on sunglasses and I often worry about the impact this has on their eye health. Is there any information about this? Also any tips on encouraging them to wear them for extended periods?

My Son is long sighted. SHould he have prescription sunglasses as well as his regular glasses.

My daughter is 15 in her last eye test she was recommended glasses which can help her eyesight in the long run. She is shortsighted. I cannot remember the special name given to us just that it's more expensive but it can slow down the deterioration of her eyesight. Please could I have more detail of this and cost involved.

is it useful to get prescription swimming goggles? For children?

Do you have specific training to deal with children with communication and sensory issues ?

My DC does not like to wear his glasses, it's really frustrating he says he feels really geeky, they are nice glasses - but not designer - could not justify the cost of these, his prescription is not strong, will this make his eyes deteriorate and cause long term damage ?

Does playing games on a tablet damage young kid's eye health?

Friend's child says one eye's vision is much darker at night than the other.

He can't see things as clearly out of one eye because it looks as though it's much darker so he can't distinguish things. When he looks through the other eye, he can see those things because it looks lighter. (It's not about blurring, it's actually about light and dark).

Especially if he has been looking at his tablet.

Optician has said it's nothing to worry about but friend is worried, should she be?

Ive got this, had it for years. mentioned it to numerous opticians and had it checked out. Nothing ever found and told not to worry. I would love to know why!

Hello Maria. My dgs is 4 one of his eyes goes slightly inwards when he is tired. Should be see an optician? Thank you

Any tips on getting children used to sunglasses and when should these be first prescribed or used by children?

Hello - I would like to know when I should take my DS for their first eye test?

Hi Maria. Lots of questions here that I'd like to hear the answers to. Both my children didn't have any issues when they had their last eye test and the optician didn't mention anything about when they needed to be seen next. How frequently would you recommend testing? Does the frequency change as they grow up?