The Saturday Optometrist Refraction Service was set up to provide spectacle prescription for children aged 8 to 12 years, who do not require medical consultation. It is provided by our team of optometrists.
Spectacle prescription – The time required to measure your child’s prescription may vary from 10 to 30 minutes excluding waiting time. You will receive an updated prescription after the refraction test. Take the prescription to your child’s optician or optometrist to have his/her new spectacles made.
Cycloplegic refraction – Determining prescription in some children can be occasionally difficult because of frequent changes in the child’s focal power or accommodation.
If so, the optometrist may suggest that your child receive cycloplegic eye drops which will temporarily relax the eye muscles that help in focusing for objects. The eye drops include cyclopentolate and tropicamide, which are administered once or twice.
After instilling the eye drops, your child will wait about 30 minutes for the peak drug effect to take place. The optometrist will then examine if the eyes are ready for refraction. Administering the eye drops may extend your visit by 1-2 hours.
Side effects – Cycloplegic eye drops will cause a transient stinging sensation, blurring of near vision, and pupil dilation (photosensitivity). Blurry vision especially at near distance can last for 1-3 days.
Your child may be able to see better for near without spectacles during this time. If your child is photosensitive, he/she can wear sunglasses or hat and avoid going out into the bright sunlight (i.e. outdoor activities).
Other side effects of cycloplegic eye drops are rare, but may include allergic reaction, raised eye pressure, flushing, and changes in behaviour (e.g. confusion, disorientation and hyperactivity). If such symptoms appear, please seek immediate medical attention from the nearest Accident & Emergency department.
Clinic Operating HoursSaturdays: 8.30am - 12.30pm (except public holidays)(By appointment only)
How to make an appointmentCall SNEC Appointment Line at (65) 6227 7266 or email [email protected]
What to bring on appointment dayBring along your child’s birth certificate or passport, and his/her current spectacles.
Level 3 (Please use Lift Lobby C)Singapore National Eye Centre11 Third Hospital Avenue, Singapore 168751
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