Vision and hearing

From age 16 onwards you can make your own health appointments, visit our page on "Getting Help" for more details.

If you wear glasses it is recommended you have your eyes tested at least two yearly to make sure your prescription for lenses or glasses is correct. The royal college of Optometrists advises that the general population aged 16 and over should also have a routine eye test two yearly, to ensure problems are picked up early.

Hearing tests for children are completed by audiology services until the age of 16 in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and your family doctor (GP) can refer you to this service. After this age you can still speak to your GP about any worries you have about your hearing and they might refer you to a specialist if needed.

You can also access vision and hearing checks at high street opticians, which usually offer both services. There might be a charge for hearing screening after the age of 16, there are also online tests to help you decide whether you need to see a professional in person about your hearing.

After the age of 16 there might be a charge for an eye-sight test, but if you are still in full-time education or in special circumstances this could continue to be free until you are 18 or 20.

Who can help?

For more advice about your child's vision and hearing, speak to one of our team. You can Call Us on 0300 029 50 50 or Text Us on 07520 649887 to start a conversation. **Monday to Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm excluding bank holidays**

Older children (aged 11-19) can ask advice from a school nurse by texting our confidential ChatHealth service on 07480 635 443.

Need more information?

NHS.UK - Free NHS eye tests and optical vouchers

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Delivering excellence in Children and Young People’s Services:
a partnership between Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust and
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust.
Funded by Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council

Vision and hearing

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Getting Ready for Change Information for Young People

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