3/4 : Everything you need to know about your child's eye test

"Children's glasses are much more comfortable now than the wire-rim designs their parents may have had to wear. Spectacles for children have features like adjustable nose pads, saddle bridges for small, unformed noses and spring hinges for comfort and to make sure
they last longer. Experts also recommend plastic lenses for children as they are lighter and safer than glass lenses. They can also be treated with anti-scratch coatings.

It is up to parents to decide how much to spend on their child's glasses, but Dr Rob Hogan has a few warnings. 'The specs may need replacing relatively frequently, not only because of prescription changes but also through wear and tear,' he says. Every child should also have a spare pair of glasses in case of emergencies.

Many High Street opticians will offer free children's glasses for the under 16s. Specsavers, Dolland & Aitchison and Vision Express all offer basic frames free with the NHS vouchers."