Cameron Optometry

Children’s eyes need protection from the sun too ☀️🕶️
It’s this time of year that many of us consciously ensure our children are well protected in the sun, regularly applying suntan lotion whenever they are exposed to UV. However, UV exposure can also affect the eyes and, because children’s eyes are still developing, more UV light reaches the back of the eye compared to adults. Over time, repeated exposure may contribute to eye conditions later in life, including cataracts and macular damage.

Good quality sunglasses with full UV protection can help protect young eyes while keeping children comfortable on bright days.

Any sunglasses with a proper UV protection label (look out for theCE quality mark). This is important even if you are wearing contact lenses with a UV filter, because the sunglasses will help protect the skin around your eyes, as well as the eye itself.are absolutely fine, they do not need to be expensive. Larger styles can offer better protection for the delicate area around the eyes and a hat provides another helpful layer of protection too.

If your child wears prescription glasses, prescription sunglasses can also be a great option, allowing them to swap easily between the two depending on what they are doing.

Meet the Team: Natalie Smith
Natalie is Cameron Optometry’s Tear Clinic Technician, specialising in dry eye care and treatment.

Over the past two years, Natalie has undertaken ongoing training with our Tear Clinic lead, Gillian Bruce, alongside extensive online learning, to deepen her understanding of dry eye disease and the treatments we offer. She plays a key role in the patient journey, from initial phone consultations where she discusses symptoms and concerns, through to delivering tailored treatments within the clinic.

Natalie has a particular interest in the hands-on side of the role, carrying out treatments such as Low Level Light Therapy and Zest, with IPL soon to be introduced. She finds it especially rewarding to see real, immediate improvements in patients’ comfort and eye health.

When it comes to eyewear, Natalie loves Anne et Valentin, especially the bold colours, although she always finds herself drawn back to classic tortoise shell frames.
Her advice to patients is to ask questions. With clinics constantly evolving and new technologies being introduced, the team is always happy to talk through options so you feel informed and confident in your eye care.

What Natalie enjoys most about her role is making a tangible difference. Seeing patients feel the benefit of treatment and improve day to day is what drives her.
She also focuses on making every appointment feel relaxed. No question is too small, and she is always happy to talk things through so patients feel comfortable and supported throughout their treatment journey.