March 7th is World Book Day. Now in its 22nd year, this wonderful charity encourages children to ‘explore the pleasures of books and reading by providing them with the opportunity to have a book of their own.’  In the UK millions of children receive a National Book Token to redeem against a free book or £1 off a book of their choice.  Often this is the first book they own.

Reading is such a wonderful thing for young minds – opening up their imagination to a world of possibilities.  Most of us have a favourite book from our childhood. It wasn’t hard for everyone here at Optimum Vision Clinic to choose theirs!

Priyanka Patel, principal optometrist: Little Women

Stella Wilson, dispensing optician: The Magic Faraway Tree

Debbie Lambden, optical assistant : The Hungry Caterpillar

But what if your child is struggling to read? If they squint or hold the book they are reading very close to their face?  It may be that they have a problem with their vision.

It’s so important to have your children’s eyes tested as eye problems are much easier to treat if they are picked up when your child’s vision is still developing. This is usually up to around seven or eight years of age.

Your health visitor will check your child’s eyes soon after they are born and again when they’re six weeks old. The next test should be when your child can recognise pictures, usually around the age of two. Then their eyes should be tested every year until they reach their teens.

Children’s eye tests are free under the NHS. So you can book an appointment for a routine eye examination for your child at any time.  And, if your child does need glasses, you’ll receive an NHS voucher. This will contribute to the cost of their glasses or even cover it in full.

So please don’t delay. Call today and make an appointment for your child. We’d love to see you.