Kid's Zone
Children may need spectacles from a young age to help them achieve binocular vision.
When young children need spectacles it is important that they look through the correct size and shape of spectacles so their eyes are corrected when they are looking through them and do not look over the top.
This is very important for all children, but especially so when a child has a squint and has been seen by a Consultant Ophthalmologist or Orthoptist within the Hospital and a prescription has been issued for spectacles.
When bringing a Hospital prescription to be dispensed by Cliff, it might be best to ring ahead and request an appointment as this will ensure that your child can be fitted by Cliff or one of his qualified staff.
The Regulations say that your child must have the prescription dispensed by an Optician as unregistered suppliers cannot sell glasses to anyone under 16.
When your child is fitted for spectacles by Cliff he will ensure that an appropriate frame is chosen for the best interests of developing your child’s vision in their fusional period, that measurements for the lens position within the frame are taken professionally and accurately. Some modern shallow spectacle frames are not always the best option, instead a shape which follows the eye socket will give a better fitting and your child will be less likely to look over the top of the frame.
Frames can be made from metal or plastic, but it may be advisable to avoid choosing half rimless frames as children can be very tough and they can break very easily. Spring sided frames offer some more protection against frames losing their fitting if a frame is stretched. Your child may need special lenses made up to correct their vision and your Optician will explain the options based upon each child’s individual needs.
A registered Optician like Cliff may decide that curl sides are the best option to stop them slipping down, or you may be guided away from frames with thicker plastic sides as the bend behind the ear cannot be put in the correct place. The Optician will ensure that the frame is the best fit for your child and are accurately adjusted to stop them slipping down so they do not look over the top.
If your child’s spectacles are slipping down or they have had a growth spurt since they were last dispensed spectacles, then you should return to your Registered Optician to have the fitting checked and adjusted accordingly. Cliff advises that a picture is taken of your child with their brand new spectacles on and saved on your computer, so you have a reminder of how they look before the specs experience rough and tumble, that way you will have a picture to compare with and highlight if a visit to your Registered Optician is required to get the fitting and adjustment checked.
Spectacles prescribed by the Hospital Eye Service and dispensed by a Registered Optician like Cliff, are essential to make sure that the vision develops properly and in some cases, well fitting glasses can help control a squint.
Once your child has spectacles it is important that they are regularly checked for fitting and that your child attends any follow up visits to see the Hospital Orthoptist or Consultant Ophthalmologist. Sometimes the Orthoptist and Ophthalmologist at the Hospital will decide that patching of the good eye is carried out to help the other eye work so there is good binocular vision and the Orthoptist will prescribe the length of time the patch should be used each day.
It is very important, when having patching treatment that you attend the Hospital Orthoptic department for monitoring and advice. They will be able to advise on how long the treatment should last, how long each day the patch should be worn and the best type of patch to use for your child. They will also help if you are having difficulty getting your child to wear the patch and may even suggest a different type of treatment to try. The Orthoptic department within NHS Fife can be contacted by telephoning 01592 643355 ext 8400. Patching should not be carried out unless advised by the orthoptic department or eye doctor (ophthalmologist).
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