A NEW bit of kit which is designed to make eye tests less frightening for small children and patients with learning difficulties is ready to be rolled out to opticians.

The equipment was designed by Durham optician Simon Berry, who has an independent practice in the Gilesgate area of the city, after doing work with children with Down’s syndrome.

He has been working on the device, which allows patients to watch a video while having their eyes tested, for three years and it is now being trialled by a number of organisations.

Mr Berry said: “It definitely works. It was invented for children with Down’s syndrome but it works well with anyone who is difficult to engage, so patients with autism and learning difficulties, babies, people with dementia.

“I can set it so people can watch any video, so old news reels or Peppa Pig or a video of their dog.

“It’s been better than I thought because I thought it would be a useful for a very small number of patients but actually it seems to be useful for so many more people.”

The Visual Fixation System (VFS) works by splitting a beam of light reflecting the image from a phone to the patient, allowing the optometrist to examine their eyes while they watch.

As well as for people with Down’s Syndrome, it can also be useful when testing the eyes of babies and small children, people with autism and people with dementia.

The device is being trialled by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO), national charity SeeAbility, and Aston and Cardiff Universities and Mr Berry is due to take it to the Great Ormond Street Hospital in January to show it to their doctors.

The initial prototype was made in collaboration with Durham University and the technology is now licensed to Optimec, a UK company based in Malvern, specialising in the design and manufacture of optically based instrumentation and devices.

Mr Berry added: “There’s nothing like this on the market so we’re trying to get it out there as much as possible.

“It can be really frustrating for parents when they have a long day at the hospital and the children aren’t cooperating.

“Something like this can grab their attention and there’s a better chance of getting results.”