Back to school; Are your child’s eyes ok?

More than one in 10 children, in every classroom, are estimated to have an undiagnosed vision problem that is impacting their learning and development.

Across the UK, children are missing out on vital eye health care that could help them reach their full potential at school and socially, but very few parents or carers are aware that children under the age of 16 are eligible for an NHS-funded sight test.

To cover the cost, vouchers can be provided to be put towards glasses or contact lenses for under 16s, so a sight test and getting prescription eyewear needn’t be expensive.

The ‘A B See campaign’ is an ongoing campaign designed by the Association of Optometrists to help parents, teachers, community workers and optometrists spread the word about the importance of children’s eye health and regular testing.

How do I know if my child has an eye problem?

Some eye conditions do not display any signs or symptoms, so the only way to know for sure is to take your child for a sight test. Signs which may show there is a problem with a child’s sight include:

• An eye appearing to drift inwards or outwards
• Difficulty concentrating
• Behavioural problems
• Headaches
• Sitting too close to the television
• Frequent eye rubbing

It is recommended that children have a sight test, with an optometrist at around the age of four, so that conditions are picked up and treated early. After the first test it is a good idea to return every year for a check-up, or more often if your optometrist advises it.

If you think your child is experiencing some eye related issues, feel free to pop into the Lesley Cree Opticians practice to speak to your local optometrist.