Parents

Did you know that up to 1 million children in the UK currently have an undetected vision problem?

Can your child see properly?

Poor eyesight can have a significant effect on children’s ability to learn and on their behaviour – yet often goes unrecognised by teachers, parents and by children themselves. Children may not be aware or may not be able to explain their vision difficulties and - as a parent - you may not notice any problems.

The sooner that vision problems are detected - the better the outcome.  Many childhood eye conditions, such as lazy eye and squint, can be treated if they are picked up early - as the eye and visual system are actively developing during the school years. If vision problems are identified and treated, it can make a difference that lasts a lifetime.

Include a sight test in your 'back to school' routine

Many parents assume that their child will have their vision checked at school, regardless of whether this actually happens or not. Vision screening provision is patchy – many areas do not provide it. Even where vision screening is provided in school, there are many conditions which, although they may cause significant problems to a child and their ability to learn, will not be picked up at a screening. Vision screening is only designed to pick up amblyopia (poor sight in one eye) – it doesn’t assess if the eyes are healthy, if glasses are needed, or if there are any colour vision defects – an optometrist can do all of this and much more.

A sight test is free – why not have one? Including a sight test in your back to school routine is a great way to ensure that your child's vision is not forgotten about. Sight tests are free for all children under the age of 16. Optometrists in the community are qualified to examine the eyes of all children, paid for by the NHS. Help towards the cost of glasses is also available on the NHS for all children. Toddlers and young children do not need to be able to read, as an eye examination can be carried out using pictures.

Watch our short video which explains the benefits of early sight testing for children.

More information

More information about the campaign can be found on the tabs on the right-hand side of this page. If you require further information, please email us or telephone 020 7549 2063 or 020 7549 2064..