At Lauder & Rees Opticians, we provide dedicated and specialist eye care for children, right from birth through to their teenage years. Our Paddington practice offers a warm, welcoming environment backed by years of professional and clinical expertise. Since 2003, we have been the provider of children’s hospital eye services at the Western Eye Hospital, and that experience shapes every aspect of the care we provide — from routine testing to fitting children with complex prescriptions or additional needs.
Why Early Eye Tests Matter
A child’s visual development happens rapidly in the first few years of life. That’s why we believe it’s never too early for an eye check — even babies and toddlers can be tested long before they learn to read. Our team is experienced in using techniques that don’t require verbal responses or reading ability, such as light reflex tests and retinoscopy, to accurately assess vision in infants and young children.
Many vision issues — such as lazy eye (amblyopia), squints, or uncorrected long- or short-sightedness — are far easier to manage and correct when identified early. Left undetected, these problems can interfere with learning, behaviour, and long-term eye health.
We recommend:
- A first eye test before starting school
- Annual rechecks thereafter, unless advised otherwise
- In some cases, more frequent reviews every 3 or 6 months based on clinical needs
NHS-Supported Eye Care for Children
At our Paddington practice, all children are entitled to full optical services through the NHS. This includes:
- Free sight tests for all children under 16 (or under 19 if in full-time education)
- NHS optical vouchers to cover or contribute toward the cost of glasses
- Support and guidance to help families understand their entitlements
We make NHS eye care straightforward, ensuring that quality vision support is accessible to all children, regardless of background or income.
Specialist Frame Fitting for All Ages
Fitting glasses for a child is not just about choosing a style — it’s about ensuring a secure, comfortable, and effective fit that supports their daily activities and visual needs. At Lauder & Rees, we stock a wide range of children’s frames suitable for:
- Newborns and babies
- Toddlers, school-age children, and teenagers
- Children with additional physical or sensory needs
- Strong prescriptions and specialist lens requirements
Our frames include flexible hinges, soft materials, and fun colours or designs that appeal to children while offering durability for active lifestyles.
Advanced Services for Complex Cases
Thanks to our hospital background and investment in high-grade technology, we’re able to offer:
- Fittings for complex prescriptions, including high refractive errors and specialist lenses
- Low vision assessments for partially sighted children
- Retinal imaging and OCT scans for early detection of serious eye conditions
- Contact lens fittings for older children and teens (typically age 8+), including soft lenses and myopia control options
We also advise on UV protection and recommend prescription or non-prescription sunglasses for children who spend time outdoors.
A Comfortable, Child-Friendly Environment
A trip to the optician can be daunting for young children, especially those with additional needs. At Lauder & Rees, our staff take time to make children feel relaxed and involved in the process. We use age-appropriate visual tools, including:
- Picture charts instead of letter-based charts
- Light-based reflex assessments
- Interactive testing tools to keep children engaged
Our approach ensures accurate results in a setting that’s as stress-free as possible for both children and their parents.
Vision and Learning: The Critical Connection
It’s estimated that up to 80% of a child’s learning is visual, yet many children in the UK still have undiagnosed vision problems. With school vision screening now less common, regular optometrist visits have never been more important.
Undetected visual issues can affect:
- Reading fluency and concentration
- Performance in sports and physical activity
- Behaviour and confidence in the classroom
- Social development and emotional wellbeing
By ensuring your child has routine eye tests, you’re giving them the best possible foundation to learn, grow, and thrive.
Book Your Child’s Eye Test at Lauder & Rees – Paddington
Whether it’s your baby’s first eye check or your teenager’s annual review, our experienced optometrists and support staff are here to offer trusted, tailored care. With full NHS coverage, a wide selection of child-specific frames, and a warm, reassuring environment, Lauder & Rees is a name families across Paddington have relied on for years.
Contact us today to book your appointment, or stop by our Paddington branch to speak to a member of our friendly team.
Lauder & Rees Opticians – Paddington
Trusted Experts in Children’s Vision Since 2003