Parents risking child eyesight by not keeping up with eye tests

Experts are warning that parents across Staffordshire and Cheshire that they could be putting their children's eye sight at risk by not keeping on top of regular eye tests.

A new Children’s Eye Health Report reveals 1 in 10 parents only take their child for an eye test if a problem. A further 18% wait until their child is at least five years old before going for their first eye test.

"The big one is the lazy eye." said John Stevenson, of Stevenson Jones Opticians in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

"Often the child is unware one eye isn't as good as the other one. And, whilst we can deal with that when they get older - it's a lot easier to deal with it when they're young.

"Things like one eye being weaker than the other, the child will still see very well but that can be treated."

The research commissioned by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians, The College of Optometrists and the Optical Suppliers Association, reveals that UK parents are confused about when and where to go for children’s eye care advice and treatment. One in twelve parents (8%) would visit their GP or call NHS 111 if their child was experiencing a slight change in vision rather than making an appointment at their local optician’s.

Better signposting to eye care professionals on the High Street would prevent parents making unnecessary appointments with their GP, as optometrists based at local optician’s practices can offer advice and prescribe treatments such as eye drops.

John added: "Most parents don't realise we can see them from a very young age, there's not really an age that's too young. What's most important is they get seen every 12 months.

"If a child can't read letters we can use pictures, cuddly toys if they're very young! We just need to make sure everything's working as it should be.

"For under 16's it doesn't cost anything to have an eye exam. Get it checked out!"

Whilst most children in the UK have excellent eyesight, taking children for regular eye tests from the age of 3-4 years old every 1-2 years, or as recommended by their optometrist, is critical for checking children’s vision and eye health.

Furthermore, many parents believe misinformation about eye care: over one in four parents and carers (28%) polled in the Mumsnet survey incorrectly believed that eye exercises can help slow the progression of short-sightedness (myopia), and one in five (20%) believed it’s legal to buy children’s prescription glasses online.

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