CHECT finds decrease in parental concerns for children’s eye health

The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) has highlighted the importance of parents resuming routine eye checks for their children, as research finds that concern over eye health has decreased during the pandemic to its lowest point in eight years.

A survey carried out on behalf of CHECT to coincide with Rare Disease Day 2022 (28 February), found that 41% of parents with children aged 0-6 say their child’s eye health is a concern, compared to 59% in 2019. 

The survey of more than 1000 parents found that 28% of parents had taken their child to an optometrist for an eye test – dropping from 37% in 2019.

CHECT, which supports families of babies and children diagnosed with retinoblastoma, highlighted that “parental concern over eye health is currently at the lowest point since the survey began in 2014.”

Patrick Tonks, chief executive of the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust, acknowledged that “understandably, the health landscape of the past two years has been dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

As restrictions continue to ease, however, Tonks emphasised: “it is vital that parents are encouraged to resume routine eye checks for their children, and to seek an urgent examination with their optician or GP if they notice anything unusual in their child’s eyes.”

While rare, one child a week is diagnosed with retinoblastoma (Rb) in the UK.

“It is imperative that those children are seen and referred on as soon as possible,” Tonks said. “Around 98% of children diagnosed with Rb will survive, but more than half will lose an eye in order to save their life, so urgent referral and early diagnosis is vital to save a child’s sight, eyes and life.”