We've talked with optometrist Linda Brannigan, owner of Eyecandy Opticians in Ennis, Co. Clare. She has given us expert advice, to parents thinking of having their child's eyes checked.
What is the difference between an optician and optometrist?
Optometrist is the new name for an ophthalmic optician. These are professionals that examine the health and vision of the eyes and prescribe glasses or contact lenses if necessary. Along with prescribing, they also dispense and fit them for an individual, giving advice on correct fitting and lens selection
An Optician may be either an ophthalmic optician or a dispensing optician. A dispensing optician fits and helps in the selection of appropriate frames or lenses for the patient, following the prescription that the optometrist has issued.
At what age is it possible to do an eye examination?
It is possible to do an eye examination on a child of any age, provided that they are cooperative. The eye examination would be tailored to the child's ability.
What happens during an eye examination? And what does an optometrist check for in children?
At an eye examination, the Optometrist checks the child's level of vision at distance and near using either letters on a chart or pictures on a chart, hoping to find the same level of vision in both eyes. The health of the eyes are checked using a bright light called an ophthalmoscope, which shows up the lens, blood vessels, optic nerve head and macula in the eye. The binocular vision is checked making sure that the eyes are straight, not turning in or out, which could lead to double vision, eyestrain or visual discomfort.
The optometrist investigates if the child needs a prescription for glasses. Depending on the age of the child, he may need to use drops to dilate the pupils to get an objective result during the examination. Glasses would then be selected and appropriate lenses picked to suit the child's prescription.
If there is a history in the family with mild vision problems (short or long sighted parents), when should a child be tested?
Regardless of whether there is a family history of vision problems, every child should be checked at pre-school age. There are different visual developmental milestones that a child should follow, right up to the age of seven. This is to ensure that the child doesn't develope a squint or a lazy eye. The earlier that the child is tested and treated the better the outcome.
How do I know if my child might have an eye problem?
In many cases it may not be possible for a child to tell a parent that they have an eye problem, as they may not know any better and their vision has been blurry for a long time. Other times a parent may notice a child screwing up their eyes at distance or bright lights. They may complain of headaches or be constantly bumping into things. They might show no interest in reading or close work if they are unable to see at near. A squint in the eye may be noticed or uneven pupil sizes, the list is endless!
Can children wear lenses?
Yes, children can wear contact lenses, depending on their prescription, their age, ability at handling the lenses and being sensible about wearing them.
How can I prepare my child for a visit to the optician?
A child can be prepared by informing them firstly that it is a painless procedure. Explaining that different pictures and colours will be shown to them and they will be asked some questions. Also, advise them not to worry if they don't know the answers, that there's no right or wrong answer, just what they see. It's fun in the room! Bring your glasses, if you wear them, or a sibling who also wear glasses. If your child needs glasses, it won't be a big deal.
How do I choose the best lenses for my child? What should I consider?
After the examination, you will be advised on what type of lenses are best suited for the prescription, i.e. plastic or toughened lenses, or whether they need thinning down. It is important to consider the weight of the lenses on a child's nose and the cosmetic appearance so that the eyes are not magnified or minified too much.
My child does sport, how do I protect his glasses?
If a child plays sport and is suitable for contact lenses, these may be an option. Using a polycarbonate lens is a safer and lighter option when picking a pair of glasses or seperate prescription sports goggles might be a consideration.
How do I get my child to keep the glasses on?
Getting a child to keep glasses on may be difficult to start with for some parents so try using a sticker reward chart, putting the glasses on first thing in the morning when they wake up so that they adjust straight away to them. If you wear glasses yourself wear them in front of the child, to show that it's no big deal. Find a story book with a child wearing glasses, or recall the names of other children in the class wearing glasses
Do you have any great tips to share?