Can too much screen time affect my child's eyes?

Extended periods of screen use may lead to tired or uncomfortable eyes, particularly without regular breaks. Encouraging children to look away from screens and maintain a comfortable viewing distance can help support healthy visual habits.

Could changes in my child's behaviour be related to their vision?

Sometimes. Difficulty concentrating or appearing unusually tired after reading may all be worth discussing during an eye examination, particularly if these changes are new.

What should I bring to my child's eye appointment?

If your child already wears glasses, bring them to the appointment along with any information about previous eye examinations or vision concerns. Sharing details about changes you've noticed at home or school can also help the optometrist provide the most appropriate care.

Ongoing eye exams as part of children's eye care in Lisburn.

Trusted Children's Eye Care for Families in Lisburn

Assessments for children of all ages. Five locations. NHS funded.

Request a callback

As a longstanding part of the community, families trust Sam Baird Opticians when it comes to children’s eye care. We provide a number of assessments for children of all ages from our five locations across Northern Ireland. All tests for children are free and covered by the NHS. Contact us for more info.

Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Test

Good vision plays an important role in how children learn and explore the world around them. When eyesight changes, they may avoid activities like reading or sports instead of saying something is wrong. Routine children's eye exams can help identify concerns that may not be obvious at first. Small changes in everyday behaviour can also be worth noticing. Difficulty judging distances, frequently tilting the head, becoming frustrated with close-up tasks, or losing interest in hobbies they once enjoyed may suggest it's time to arrange an eye exam.

At Sam Baird Opticians, we encourage families across Lisburn to stay aware of these subtle signs. Recognising how vision supports everyday activities can help parents take a proactive approach to their children's eye care.

Book Your Assessment

Assessing Your Children’s Eyesight

Let’s face it, kids don’t exactly know what “normal” vision looks like since they have very little experience to base it on. Studies suggest that around one in five children have some sort of eye problem going undetected.

Children are never too young to have an eye test. They don’t need to be able to read or speak as we have special tests to help us examine even our youngest patients. Usually, children have excellent eyesight and don’t require glasses for many years or at any point in life, but the sooner problems are identified, the better the outcome.

At Sam Baird Opticians, we’ve built a reputation over many years for providing free and friendly children’s eye care for kids of all ages. All our practices are child-proof and we even have a very popular toy room in our Dundonald practice.

Sample child eyeglasses recommended after children's eye exams.

Clinic Prescriptions

Our family-run opticians provides a wide choice of frames for clinic prescriptions and can adapt lenses to give stunning cosmetic results. Properly fitted spectacles make a world of difference to your child’s experience and can help encourage confidence in wearing glasses from a young age.

Repairs and replacement spectacles are provided by the NHS for under 16s and regular spectacles can be provided free until the age of 19 whilst in full-time education.

What Happens During Your Child's Eye Examination?

An eye examination is about more than measuring how clearly your child can see letters or pictures. It also looks at how well they maintain focus when switching between near and far objects and how effectively they process visual information during everyday tasks.

Depending on your child's age, our optometrist may assess depth perception and visual coordination using simple, engaging activities. These assessments help build a fuller understanding of how your child's eyes are developing and can highlight areas that may benefit from ongoing monitoring.

Once the examination is complete, we will explain the findings in clear language so parents understand what they mean. This personalised approach allows families to make confident decisions while supporting their child's visual development through every stage of growth.

Supporting Healthy Vision as Your Child Grows

Healthy visual habits begin at home. Encouraging outdoor play and taking regular breaks from digital devices can all help support comfortable vision as children grow.

As school and daily activities change over time, so do the demands placed on a child's eyesight. Regular children's eye care helps monitor these and supports healthy visual development throughout childhood. If you have questions about your child's vision or would like professional advice, connect with us at Sam Baird Opticians to learn more about our trusted children's eye care services.