The Association of Optometrists

Common misconceptions around children's vision

Farah Topia, Clinical and Regulatory Officer for the AOP, and Henry Leonard, professional adviser to the AOP

Farah Topia is a Clinical Adviser for the AOP, and Henry Leonard is our Professional Adviser

Boy with grey jumper and glasses

Myth 1: "Glasses might make my child's vision worse or give them a lazy eye"

Child having an eye examination

Myth 2: “I don’t need to arrange an eye examination for my child because their school/nursery will take care of it"

Child having eye test

Myth 3: “My husband and I don’t wear glasses, so my child will not need them either”

Father and son reading

Myth 4: "I need to wait until my child can read before they can have their sight tested"

Child inserting a contact lens

Myth 5: “It is not safe for children to wear contact lenses”