‘A world full of wonders’: Specsavers celebrates children’s curiosity across Northern Ireland
- Love Ballymena
- Aug 8
- 2 min read
Seven-year-old Mila from Whitehead, County Antrim with her wonder of the world!
Shoppers in Belfast were treated to a magical sight this week as Specsavers unveiled its new ‘Children’s Wonder’ installation in Victoria Square, inspired by the imagination of seven-year-old Mila from Whitehead.
The captivating new display, shaped around a beautiful seashell similar to those Mila loves to collect on the beach near her North Antrim home, is part of Specsavers’ nationwide campaign celebrating how children view the world – a place not with seven wonders, but seven million.
Speaking about her favourite find, young Mila said:
“I love discovering all sorts of wonders and exploring the beach with my family. When I find shells, what I love the most is that they are all so different to each other, like treasures!”
The Victoria Square installation is one of five unveiled across the UK – with similar exhibits launched in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Cardiff – each inspired by a child’s chosen ‘wonder’. Other featured wonders include a sunflower, a caterpillar, a digger, and a perfectly imperfect rock.
According to new research conducted by Specsavers among more than 380 six- and seven-year-olds in Northern Ireland, simple treasures such as seashells, rocks, sticks, and crunchy leaves top the list of children’s most fascinating wonders.
Top 10 wonders of the world according to NI children:
A seashell
A rock
A crunchy leaf
A stick
A sunflower
A caterpillar
A buttercup
A daisy
A puddle
A digger
The most popular discovery locations? The beach and garden were joint favourites (71%), followed by parks (43%) and even the school run (29%).
The campaign aims not only to celebrate childhood imagination but also to highlight the importance of eye health in a child’s development.
“Children see the world in a way adults often forget – full of magic, mystery and wonder,” explains Professor Sam Wass, a child psychologist and neuroscientist.
“Good vision is essential to this journey of discovery. It helps children explore, ask questions and learn through play, all of which are essential to children’s development.”
Sinead Donnelly, ophthalmic director at Specsavers Victoria Square, echoed the importance of early eye care.
“Mila’s shell is a perfect example of how a simple moment on the beach can inspire joy, imagination, and a sense of discovery. We’re thrilled to bring her idea to life here in Belfast and to be celebrating children’s creativity across the UK,” she said.
“Being able to see clearly is vital to children as they learn about the world – around 80% of learning in school is visual. But around one in five children under the age of 10 have sight conditions that can get in the way of all that wonder.”
Ms Donnelly emphasised the importance of regular eye tests for children from the age of four – or earlier if there are concerns – as many common conditions can be effectively treated if caught early. NHS eye tests are free for under-16s.
The ‘Children’s Wonders’ campaign features a short film and pop-up exhibits to encourage families to think about the everyday magic children see – and how good eyesight plays a vital role in those discoveries.
To book a free eye test for your child or learn more about the campaign, visit: www.specsavers.co.uk/eye-test/childrens-eye-test
