Making sure our children are able to see properly should be high on the list of priorities when it comes to looking after their health but research still shows this area of medical examination is often neglected.

Leading Thurrock eye care experts Belson and Sons Optometrists believes the sooner children are seen by an eye specialist the better as it ensures any potential problems or concerns are identified at the outset so they can be treated effectively.

Eye tests help to detect vision problems or diseases such as diabetes before the child has even noticed any change in their sight and most importantly, enable the experts to provide solutions so that they go on to lead a full and active school life. 

Simon Belson, who runs the family eye care business along with his brother Seth, says parents often ask when they should start having their children’s eyes examined.

“The short answer is now,” he said. “On the basis of many years of experience and expertise, we believe that every child can usefully undergo an eye examination - even pre-school children and infants. We have numerous tests and techniques for assessing the vision of children who cannot read, and can even measure the vision of babies as young as three months old. 

“Coming to see us early in life also creates a positive, non-threatening relationship with our younger patients, so that they learn to co-operate earlier and we can conduct more useful and meaningful examinations in the future.”

It is estimated that up to 12% of children have undetected visual problems and a further 43% have never had an eye examination, despite the fact that every child under the age of 16 is entitled to free NHS eye tests. 

Belson and Sons Optometrists, one of Thurrock’s leading eye specialists, says parents should book their children in for an eye examination whatever their age but especially if they have a family history of eye problems or if the child was born prematurely, at low birth weight or by Caesarean section. All children should have had at least one eye test by the age of four.

Belson and Sons Optometrists are a family-owned group of opticians which has been providing family eye care and a vast range of optical services for more than 50 years. The firm currently has four practices; three in Essex (including the branch in St John’s Way, Corringham) and one in London’s Docklands and offers a wide range of services from standard eye examinations and retinal photography to glaucoma referral refinement and visual field assessment. It also offers an extensive range of glasses, sunglasses and contact lenses from budget options right through to top designer brands.

For more information about its services or to book an appointment, call Belson and Sons Optometrists on 01375 308178.