Putting Children’s Eyecare First
At Marshall Opticians, we believe children deserve the very best start in life, and that includes great eyesight. With practices in Builth Wells and Llandrindod Wells, we’re proud to support families across Powys with friendly, expert children’s eyecare in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
We know visiting the opticians can feel a little daunting for some children (and parents!), so we take the time to put everyone at ease and make the experience fun, positive, and reassuring.
Children’s Eye Examinations – Why They’re Important and When to Go
Good vision is essential for your child’s development, learning and confidence. That’s why regular eye examinations are so important even if they aren’t complaining of any issues.
We recommend children have their first eye test around age 4, or sooner if you’ve noticed anything unusual. After that, routine checks every two years, or more frequently if advised, will help keep their eyes healthy and their vision sharp.
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Eye tests are:
- Completely free on the NHS for children under 16 (and under 19 in full-time education)
- Non-invasive and child-friendly
- Carried out by a qualified optometrist who’s experienced in working with children
If your child does need glasses, we’ll talk you through everything and help them choose frames they’ll love to wear.
Book an Appointment
Book an Appointment
Kid’s Eyewear
We stock a great range of children’s glasses, including the hugely popular Tomato Glasses specially designed for babies, toddlers and children with petite or complex fittings.
Lightweight, flexible and durable (they really can take a tumble!), Tomato frames are designed to fit snugly and comfortably for little faces.
All children’s eyewear is dispensed by either a qualified optometrist or a dispensing optician ensuring the right fit, lens type, and adjustments. This is especially important for younger children, where proper fitting and safety are key.
Book an Appointment
Book an Appointment
Contact Lenses for Children
For active kids or teens who’d prefer an alternative to glasses, contact lenses can be a brilliant option and many children adapt to them quickly and confidently.
We offer:
- Soft daily lenses for occasional or regular wear
- Ongoing support and training to make lens wear safe and easy
- Specialist Myopia Management contact lenses, designed to slow down the progression of short-sightedness in children
Visit our Contact Lenses and Myopia Management pages to learn more about these exciting options and how they can benefit your child.
FAQs – What Parents Often Ask
Is my child eligible for a free NHS eye test?
Yes — all children under 16 (and under 19 in full-time education) are entitled to a free NHS eye examination and may also receive help towards the cost of glasses if needed.
What if my child can’t read yet?
No problem! We use child-friendly tests with pictures, shapes and lights — no reading required.
Can babies have eye tests?
Yes — if you have concerns about your baby’s eyes or development, we can check them from a very young age. Just give us a call to discuss.
How do I know if my child needs an eye test?
Signs to look out for include:
- Squinting or eye rubbing
- Sitting too close to the TV or holding books close in order to read
- Complaining of headaches or tired eyes
- Difficulty with reading or concentration
- One eye turning in or out
But often, there are no obvious signs, which is why regular checks are so important.
We’re Here to Help
From their first eye test to their first pair of glasses or contact lenses, our experienced team is here to support your child’s vision every step of the way.
Book an appointment at our Builth Wells or Llandrindod Wells practice and give your child the gift of healthy, confident sight.