Many parents don't realise children's eye tests aren't routinely included in standard development checks. It's a postcode lottery and the onus often falls on parents to make sure their children's eye health isn't overlooked.

In this, we speak to Senior Optometrist Dr Nigel Best from Specsavers, who shares expert insights on children's vision, including:

✔️ When to book your child's first eye test
✔️ Why waiting for problems to appear might be too late
✔️ The surprising link between outdoor time and short-sightedness

If you're a parent, carer, or work with children, this is a vital listen. Early eye care can make a world of difference.

Doctor Nigel Best joined Specsavers as a resident optometrist in 1993 after graduating from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology.

Nigel has worked closely with editorial teams across the optical industry. He was formerly a member of the ‘Optometry in Practice’ editorial board and has published a number of papers in peer-reviewed journals.

In recognition of his work in the industry, Nigel was awarded a Fellowship of the British Contact Lens Association in 2009, followed in 2010 with a Fellowship of the American Academy of Optometry.

Alongside his Professional Services role Nigel works as an expert witness for in clinical negligence cases.

Visit Specsavers website

Find out more about Specsavers Children’s Eye Tests

NHS guidance on Children’s Eye Tests

All about Astigmatism

All about Myopia (short-sightedness)

All about long-sightedness

Mini First Aid Family First Aid Kit - Platinum Award-winning first aid kit, voted a Best Buy in the Loved By Parents Awards 2021, is a comprehensive first aid kit for all the family. Containing 115 essential items, it is ideal for keeping in your car or at home for any first aid emergencies.

Find out more about our multi-award-winning two-hour Baby & Child first aid classes here, delivered in a relaxed and comfortable style to give you the confidence to know what actions to take if faced with a medical emergency.

For press enquiries and to contact Mini First Aid, email info@minifirstaid.co.uk

Series 5 of the Family Health Podcast by Mini First Aid is sponsored by Things Happen, a trusted broker which offers the best financial advice to help parents and their families make informed decisions, ensuring a secure and tax-efficient future for their children.

The team at Things Happen consists of highly qualified financial experts who can guide you through the different types of life insurance policies to consider as your family expands, taking the stress out of decision-making by finding the best deals. If you already have life insurance Things Happen will carefully review your existing policy to ensure it still meets your family's needs, giving you peace of mind, knowing your family is fully protected.

If reviewing your life insurance is still on your to-do list, take time to get in touch with an experienced Things Happen financial advisor today.

How do you raise an adventurous eater and stay sane doing it?

In this episode, we’re joined by nutritional consultant Melanie Hadida to talk all things family food. From baby-led weaning to batch cooking and supermarket meltdowns, Melanie shares her personal journey, including feeding newborn twins during lockdown, and her top tips for creating positive food experiences at home.

We cover:

• Practical ways to introduce flavourful, nutritious foods from the start
• Tackling fussy eating without turning mealtimes into a battleground
• Easy, budget-friendly meals the whole family will enjoy
• How getting kids involved in the kitchen can transform their eating habits

If you’re feeling stuck in a food rut or just need a little reassurance, this episode is packed with relatable stories and expert advice to help you feed your family with confidence.

Melanie is a nutritional consultant and twin mum. She is the founder and owner of Spice & Green, a small specialty food business creating unique products with herbs and spices. She offers one-on-one nutritional consulting services and cooking workshops focusing on hormonal health, pregnancy and postpartum nutrition and cooking with young families.

Connect with Melanie on Instagram

Visit Melanie’s website Melanie Hadida Nutrition

Boob to Table - fun nutritious meal & snack ideas for babies and the family

Find the Chef Knife Set for Kids

Mini First Aid Family First Aid Kit - Platinum Award-winning first aid kit, voted a Best Buy in the Loved By Parents Awards 2021, is a comprehensive first aid kit for all the family. Containing 115 essential items, it is ideal for keeping in your car or at home for any first aid emergencies.

Find out more about our multi-award-winning two-hour Baby & Child first aid classes here, delivered in a relaxed and comfortable style to give you the confidence to know what actions to take if faced with a medical emergency.

For press enquiries and to contact Mini First Aid, email info@minifirstaid.co.uk

Series 5 of the Family Health Podcast by Mini First Aid is sponsored by Things Happen, a trusted broker which offers the best financial advice to help parents and their families make informed decisions, ensuring a secure and tax-efficient future for their children.

The team at Things Happen consists of highly qualified financial experts who can guide you through the different types of life insurance policies to consider as your family expands, taking the stress out of decision-making by finding the best deals. If you already have life insurance Things Happen will carefully review your existing policy to ensure it still meets your family's needs, giving you peace of mind, knowing your family is fully protected.

If reviewing your life insurance is still on your to-do list, take time to get in touch with an experienced Things Happen financial advisor today.

Bumps, knocks and tumbles are all part of childhood. But head injuries can feel scary, especially if you’re not sure what to look out for.

In this episode, Kate is joined by Dr Lillie Parker to chat all things head bumps – how to spot a serious injury, what to do in those first few minutes, and how to keep kids safe as they explore the world around them.

References:

Dr. Lillie Parker is an NHS paediatrician with almost a decade of experience caring for children and young people, from preterm babies to young adults up to18 years old. A graduate of Southampton University (BMBS BMedSci) and a certified member of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, she is dedicated to providing expert, compassionate care. Her Instagram page offers parents and carers a reliable source of health advice amidst the overwhelming noise of unregulated information online. Her mission is to create a supportive community and empower parents to confidently manage their children’s health using trusted, evidence-based advice and information.

Connect with Dr Lillie Parker on Instagram

See the NHS guidance on Head Injuries & Concussion

Child Brain Injury Trust - After Concussion Return to Normality (ACoRN) leaflet

NHS Healthier Together - Head Injury Advice

Read the Mini First Aid blog on Head Bumps

Mini First Aid Family First Aid Kit - Platinum Award-winning first aid kit, voted a Best Buy in the Loved By Parents Awards 2021, is a comprehensive first aid kit for all the family. Containing 115 essential items, it is ideal for keeping in your car or at home for any first aid emergencies.

Find out more about our multi-award-winning two-hour Baby & Child first aid classes here, delivered in a relaxed and comfortable style to give you the confidence to know what actions to take if faced with a medical emergency.

For press enquiries and to contact Mini First Aid, email info@minifirstaid.co.uk

Series 4 of the Family Health Podcast by Mini First Aid is sponsored by Things Happen, a trusted broker which offers the best financial advice to help parents and their families make informed decisions, ensuring a secure and tax-efficient future for their children.

The team at Things Happen consists of highly qualified financial experts who can guide you through the different types of life insurance policies to consider as your family expands, taking the stress out of decision-making by finding the best deals. If you already have life insurance Things Happen will carefully review your existing policy to ensure it still meets your family's needs, giving you peace of mind, knowing your family is fully protected.

If reviewing your life insurance is still on your to-do list, take time to get in touch with an experienced Things Happen financial advisor today.