Glasses Information Sheet

Please note, this page is printable by selecting the normal print options on your computer.

How does the Doctor or Optometrist know what strength of glasses my child needs?

When your child needs a test for glasses they will need to come and see the Ophthalmologist or Optometrist. This appointment will take place about once a year. For this test your child will need eye drops. The eye drops dilate the pupil and allow the Ophthalmologist or optometrist a good clear view of the back of the eye. Your child may require two lots of drops. The drops take 40 minutes for the pupils to dilate so please allow sufficient time for your appointment. A light is shone in to the eyes to measure the strength of the glasses needed.

If glasses are required a form will be issued containing the prescription and voucher .This is taken to any optician / optometrist in the community.

Long sight
Long sight is when the eye is too short to focus the rays of light onto the retina (back of the eye). Vision may be reduced for near and distance.

Short sight
Short sight is when the eye is too long to focus the rays of light onto the retina. Vision is reduced in the distance.

Astigmatism
Astigmatism is when the front of the eye is shaped like a rugby ball instead of a football. This means that the rays of light cannot be focused. Both distance and near vision can be affected by astigmatism.

Will my child always need to wear glasses?
This will depend on the strength of the glasses and how the prescription changes over time. Ask the Optometrist for clarification.

When should my child be wearing the glasses?
In most cases the glasses should be worn all day. The Optometrist will tell you if it is appropriate for the glasses to be worn part-time. Some schools ask that the glasses be removed for PE lessons, but this only appropriate for some prescriptions please ask the Optometrist.

My child claims to see better without the glasses

This is a common complaint, especially in the early days of spectacle wear. It is important that you encourage your child to persevere as it does take time for the eyes and brain to adjust to the new
lenses

The glasses look very strong!
It can be a shock when your child first starts wearing glasses. Be assured that they have been measured specifically for your child.

My child is constantly breaking the glasses!
If the glasses are broken, you will need to return to the optician that supplied them. They should repair the glasses, or replace them if they are beyond repair. The optician will use a repair /
replacement voucher to mend the glasses. This voucher will give you a fixed amount towards the repair depending on the breakage. Spare pairs of glasses are not routinely given out; you will have to pay if you wish to have a spare pair

For further information 
If you have any queries regarding your child’s glasses, please call the Optometry Department, Eye Clinic, Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Standing Way, Milton Keynes, MK6 5LD. Tel: 01908 995525.