Up to a million children head back to school today with undiagnosed vision problems
Parents urged to get their children’s eyes tested as new study shows 40% haven’t done so in the last year
Parents are being urged to get their children’s eyes tested as they head back to school this week, with new figures showing up to one million British children have an undiagnosed vision problem.*
From the age of three*, eye health guidelines state that children should have their eyes tested as regularly as they go to the dentist, with tests free for children on the NHS until the age of 16. However, a new study released today shows that 40% of parents have not had their child’s eyes tested in the last year while more than one in ten have never had their child’s eyes tested.
Worryingly, one in ten parents surveyed by Sight Care do not consider eye care to be a priority, while almost a third of parents do not take their children to the optician, with nearly a quarter relying on school to provide regular eye tests.
However, only 60% of British schools provide eye tests for pupils and eye care experts are concerned that as children head back to the classroom, many will struggle with headaches, eye strain and vision problems if they do have an undiagnosed vision problem.
So what signs should you be looking out for to judge whether your child may be struggling with their vision and what are you risking by not getting your child’s eyes tested regularly?
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*recommended age to commence eye testing, however people are encouraged to start having their children’s eyes tested earlier if they have a family history of eye problems
Sight Care is a not-for-profit business and product support group for UK independent optical practices.
Originally established by the Association of Optometrists in 1990, the group is owned by its members and managed day to day by an experienced executive management team under the stewardship of an elected board of directors comprising optometrists and dispensing opticians
Sight Care Group is in its second year of an exciting nationwide, consumer awareness campaign to promote independent practices in their local community.
The ‘Eye Love My Local Independent Optician’, largely public relations led campaign, will be driving consumers to the website, www.eyelovelocal.co.uk, to help them find out more about independent opticians, find their local independent practice and give them tips and advice on taking care of their eyes.
back to school this week, with new figures showing up to one million British children have an undiagnosed vision problem.*
