Registered Ophthalmic Optician Steven Frankel, B.Sc (Hons) MC Opticion

		My 12 year old son wants to wear contact lenses, but is he old enough? He is keen on sports and finds wearing spectacles a problem.
		There is no minimum age to begin contact lens wear. Most opticians would be happy to fit a 12-year-old with contact lenses, providing he/she seems mature enough to handle the responsibility. The advent of disposable contact lenses has been of great help with regard to hygiene and would normally be the choice of lens in this situation. The intention would be to still use spectacles part of the time, full time contact lens wear being discouraged.
		My optometrist says I must see him every year for examination because my mother had glaucoma. After every test I am told that my eyes have not changed. Do I need to go every year?
		It is recommended that the 40 and overs have annual examinations when a close relation has glaucoma. Even if your prescription is stable you still need to attend. The risk of glaucoma is not really related to your need for spectacles and in the early stages of glaucoma it is quite likely that you would have no symptoms.
		I have always had my eyes tested on the NHS every 12 months. My opticians now says I must wait 2 years before my next test and I am not happy with this.Why can’t I have a test every year?
		Opticians must follow the NHS rules regarding the time interval between tests. Currently, this means those between the ages of 16 and 69 are entitled to an examination every 2 years under the NHS, unless they fall into certain categories relating to health, e.g. those with diabetes are entitled to annual checks. Under 16’s and 70 and overs are entitled to annual checks also. Any optician can give more detailed advice on this, especially if you believe you are having difficulties.