Refraction
Refraction is initially performed to determine whether or not a child has a refractive error (i.e. the child is long-sighted, short-sighted or has astigmatism) and is then routinely performed on all children who are prescribed or wear glasses to ensure their prescription remains up-to-date.
In younger children (under 10) this involves dilating the pupils with eye drops (this takes approximately 45 minutes) and then moving a light across the eye whilst a series of lenses are placed in front of the eye. Drops may not be necessary in older children, and the refraction can be completed by showing different lenses to the child and asking them which is clearer. Both methods take between 20 and 30 minutes. The optometrist will determine which method of refraction is most suitable for your child.
All children under 16 years of age are entitled to a voucher to help with the costs purchasing glasses. For more information on this please download our leaflet about children's glasses.
