Myth 1 "Glasses might make my child's vision worse or give them a lazy eye" The Association of Optometrists advice: "Wearing glasses does not make your eyes ‘weak,’ or ‘dependent’ on glasses. In most cases, glasses will actually help to relieve strain on the eyes and to relax the eye muscles. Wearing glasses as prescribed can help our sight to develop normally and achieve its full potential. Recent evidence has shown that under correction of certain types of prescription can in fact accelerate a deterioration. You should always encourage your child to wear their glasses as instructed by your optometrist."   Myth 2 "I don't need to arrange a sight test for my child because their school/nursery will take care...

The College of Optometrists have published survey results showing a significant number of people felt their vision got worse during lockdown. The research found that: 22 percent of people noticed their vision get worse during lockdown  32 percent of people believe that spending more time in front of screens has worsened their vision. This was a particular concern for those aged between 18 and 34, with 42 percent feeling screen time caused their vision to deteriorate. Dr Susan Blakeney FCOptom, Clinical Adviser for The College of Optometrists said: “We know that many people will be concerned about vision changes during lockdown. It is very important that if your vision has deteriorated or if you are experiencing a red or painful...

Most parents worry how much time their child is spending on digital devices. Here are the facts. What is blue light? Sunlight contains red, orange, yellow, green and blue light rays. Combined, this spectrum of coloured light rays creates what we call ‘white light’ or sunlight. Depending on where they fall on the spectrum, light rays have long wavelengths (with less energy) or short wavelengths (with more energy). Blue light is a high-energy visible light and has shorter wavelengths. It is known as blue light because it is on the violet-blue band of the spectrum. Blue light is naturally present in sunlight but is also something we can see from screens such as TVs, computers, smartphones and tablets. Can blue...

Why vision matters Did you know there are an estimated one million children with an undiagnosed vision problem? Good eyesight is crucial in making sure a child develops to their full potential both at school and socially.  It’s especially important to look after children’s eyes – the eye is still developing throughout early childhood so if problems are treated early, it can make a lasting difference. Yet research shows that around 20% of school-aged children have an undiagnosed vision problem (1). It’s never too early to have a sight test, visiting an optometrist will mean you can spot and manage vision problems that may affect your child's development.   How do I know if my child has an eye problem?...

Choose eye health for your New Year's resolution and make it the one you won't break   A fifth (21%) have not had a sight test within the last two years1 but regular checks protect sight by making sure eye conditions are picked up and treated early  Over one million people in the UK are living with avoidable sight loss2   As well as an eye health check, a sight test can detect signs of general health conditions, such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure Losing weight, more exercise, saving money and learning a new skill all make the top 10, but keeping to your New Year’s resolutions is conspicuously more difficult than it seems.  Around 30% of us will make...

Wendy is an important staff member at our practice. Wendy is the DISPENSING LENS AND FRAME EXPERT and this is what her role entails: Frame Selection – ensures the frame selected will have a perfect fit, is able to be altered appropriately, and also that the frame is suitable for the selected lens. They are experts on frame materials suitable for allergies, or if a lightweight or robust design is required. Lens Selection – The dispensing Optician carries out a visual task analysis with the patient (discussing working habits, leisure activities, and any problem arises) and recommends the most suitable products for the patients’ lifestyle.  Spectacle fitting and Collection – Correctly fitted spectacles provide the best possible visual correction, and comfort. A Dispensing Optician...

We are now the proud stockists of MULBERRY Eyewear and Sunglasses EXCLUSIVELY NEW to MidUlster! You’ll not see these anywhere else, as we’ve worked hard and negotiated to bring this classic brand to our Optical Boutique. You just HAVE to call into our practice to see and try these beauties in person..... and....Even better, they are not the price of a handbag! 😎🤓👌💋👜