Children's Eye Tests in Durham
Good vision plays a vital role in a child's development, learning and confidence, which is why regular eye tests from an early age are so important. At Costspex, our experienced team carries out children's eye tests at our warm and welcoming Durham practice, with NHS eye tests available for all children under 16, or under 19 if in full-time education.
Why Children's Eye Tests Matter
Many children struggle with their vision without ever realising it, simply because they have no way of knowing what clear sight should look like. Undetected vision problems can have a significant impact on a child’s ability to learn, concentrate and keep up in the classroom, and they can often be mistaken for other difficulties such as reading problems or lack of attention. Common conditions in children include short-sightedness, long-sightedness, astigmatism and amblyopia, more commonly known as lazy eye, as well as squints.
The earlier these conditions are identified, the more effectively they can be managed or treated, which is why routine eye tests from a young age are so worthwhile. Children are eligible for free NHS eye tests, so there is no financial barrier to getting their eyes checked regularly. Our team at Costspex will carry out the examination carefully and thoroughly, making sure your child feels relaxed and comfortable throughout.
What to Expect During a Children's Eye Test
A children’s eye test at Costspex follows the same thorough approach as our adult appointments, adapted to suit the age and needs of your child. Before the test begins, our team will take a few minutes to talk through any concerns you or your child may have, so everyone feels relaxed and informed before we start. The examination itself checks a range of things including visual acuity, how well each eye focuses, how the eyes work together, and the overall health of the eye.
For younger children who cannot yet read, we use specially designed charts and techniques that do not require verbal responses, so age is never a barrier to getting an accurate result. The test usually takes around 20 to 25 minutes depending on what we find, and we will always explain our findings clearly afterwards. If glasses are recommended, our team will help you and your child find the right frames from our extensive range.
Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Test
Children are not always able to recognise or communicate that they are struggling with their vision, so it is worth knowing what to look out for. Some of the most common signs that a child may have an undetected vision problem include sitting too close to the television, holding books or devices very close to their face, squinting or tilting their head when trying to focus, rubbing their eyes frequently, complaining of headaches, losing their place when reading, or avoiding activities that require close or distance vision.
Teachers sometimes notice these signs before parents do, so it is worth taking any feedback from school seriously. If your child displays any of these signs, it is a good idea to book an eye test sooner rather than waiting for a routine check. At Costspex, our team will carry out a thorough examination and talk you through what we find in plain language, with no jargon and no pressure.
Why Choose Costspex for Your Child's Eye Test
At Costspex, we understand that bringing a child for an eye test can feel daunting, which is why we go out of our way to create a warm, relaxed and welcoming environment where children and parents alike feel completely at ease. As an independent, family-run practice established in Durham since 2004, we are not part of a chain, and that means every appointment receives the full care and attention of a highly experienced and qualified team with over 100 years of combined optical experience.
NHS eye tests are available for all children under 16, or under 19 if in full-time education, and we also accept NHS optical vouchers, so quality eye care for your child does not have to cost a thing. Appointments are arranged around your schedule, and there is no hard sell at any point, just honest, friendly guidance from a team that genuinely cares about the long-term health of your child's eyes.
Local Durham Clinic
Conveniently based at Unit 41 Dragonville, right in the heart of Durham.
Personalised Service
We offer a personal, caring approach with no hard sell, taking the time to understand your needs.
Over a Century of Experience
Our team brings more than 100 years of combined optical experience to every appointment.
Rated 4.7 on Google
We are proud of our 4.7-star rating across 44 Google reviews, reflecting our commitment to great service.
Book Your Child's Eye Test at Costspex Today
Your child’s vision affects everything from their development and learning to their confidence and enjoyment of everyday life, so regular eye tests are one of the most valuable things you can arrange for them. At Costspex, our experienced and highly qualified team carries out children’s eye tests at our warm and welcoming Durham practice, with a careful and unhurried approach that puts children at ease from the moment they arrive.
NHS eye tests are available free of charge for all children under 16, or under 19 if in full-time education, and we accept NHS optical vouchers too, so there is no reason to put it off. Whether it is your child’s first eye test or a routine check-up, we will take the time to explain everything clearly to both you and your child, and if glasses are needed, our team will help you find the right pair from our extensive range. Appointments are flexible and arranged around your schedule, so get in touch with us today to book at a time that suits you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the questions we are asked most often about children's eye tests at our Durham practice. If there is anything else you would like to know, our team is always happy to help.
It is generally recommended that children have their first eye test around the age of three, though tests can be carried out earlier if there is a concern. From school age onwards, regular two-yearly checks are advised, or more frequently if recommended by our team. Early testing is important because many childhood vision problems are far easier to manage when caught at a young age, and children themselves are rarely able to identify that their vision is not as it should be. There is no minimum age for an eye test, so if you have any concerns at all, it is always worth booking an appointment.
Yes. All children under 16, or under 19 if in full-time education, are entitled to a free NHS eye test. At Costspex we offer NHS eye tests for eligible children, and we also accept NHS optical vouchers, which can contribute towards the cost of glasses if they are needed. If you are unsure whether your child qualifies or what the voucher covers, get in touch and we will be happy to explain everything clearly.
This is not a problem at all. We use specially designed charts and testing techniques that do not require a child to read or give verbal responses, so we can carry out an accurate examination regardless of age or reading ability. Our team is experienced in putting younger children at ease during the process, so even very young patients tend to find the appointment relaxed and straightforward.
A children’s eye test usually takes around 20 to 25 minutes, though this can vary depending on the age of the child and what our team finds during the examination. We never rush an appointment, and we always allow time at the end to explain our findings clearly to both you and your child. If glasses are recommended, we will also take time to help you explore the options from our range.
If our team finds that your child needs glasses, we will explain the results clearly to both you and your child in plain, jargon-free language, with no pressure at any point. We stock an extensive range of prescription glasses to suit children of all ages and face shapes, and if your child has their heart set on a particular style we also carry a broad selection of designer frames to choose from. NHS optical vouchers can be used towards the cost of children’s glasses where applicable, helping to keep things as affordable as possible. If you would like to understand more about the types of lenses available for your child’s prescription, our lenses page covers everything in detail. And if your child already has frames they love, it is also worth asking our team whether a reglaze might be possible to update the lenses while keeping the frames they are comfortable with.