Children can now enjoy wearing spectacles and this section explains what to look out for.

Long gone are the days of children's NHS specials and the enormous range of frame styles and colours available helps emphasise the fun aspect of "specs". Youngsters' spectacles are required to withstand pretty tough punishment and so robust frames are essential.Modern styles are strong and flexible and lenses are manufactured in special plastic and polycarbonate materials for safety.

The NHS pays for eye examinations to all children under 16, as well as for all those up to 19 and still in full-time education. A voucher is issued when spectacles are required and this can be used as part or full payment towards the cost of spectacles. A voucher can also be issued for breakages against the repair or replacement of damaged spectacles.