Get Your Children’s Sight Tested Opticians Warn

It something so easy for parents to overlook and yet so vital. Good vision is important for children as they learn to read so the Association of Optometrists (AOP) are urging parents to remember to get their children’s eyes tested.

“A whole range of things can be affected by poor vision, including schooling and social development,” says Optometrist Henry Leonard, Clinical and Regulatory Officer at the AOP. “Yet many children will not know if they have a vision problem. With few reference points they may believe the way they see is perfectly normal. While parents should look out for signs, in some cases no symptoms will be apparent so regular sight tests are essential.”

The AOP recommends children are taking for their first sight test even earlier than statutory school age at around the age of three years. Then the test should be retaken every two years unless the optician recommends repeating sooner.

Henry continues: “It is estimated one million children in the UK have an undiagnosed vision problem. When we look at how this can negatively affect a child’s development, it’s a really worrying figure. It’s particularly important to detect and correct these problems during early childhood, to ensure that vision develops normally, as it can be difficult or impossible to correct once a child reaches the age of eight or nine. Parents are often quite shocked to realise their child has been struggling with schoolwork due to a visual problem, which can often be corrected with a simple pair of spectacles. It’s very rewarding to see a child who was previously struggling, starting to enjoy reading and writing for the first time.”

Children are entitled for free NHS tests before their 16th birthday, which includes the cost of the test and a voucher towards glasses or contacts. There are tests in reception year that screen children’s vision but are not a comprehensive or likely to pick up other vision conditions.

What to expect at your child’s sight test

At the beginning of the appointment your optometrist will ask about your family history, your child’s health generally and if you have any concerns about their sight. If your child is old enough the optometrist will also speak to them about their vision.

Several tests will be carried out in the test room to check your child’s eyes are healthy. These can include shinning a light into the child’s eyes, asking them to follow an object with their eyes and asking them to identify images, words or letters whilst looking through different lenses. The optometrist may also include a stereopsis test to check how your child’s eyes are working together and a colour vision test to detect colour deficiencies.

The test will normally take around 20 minutes and you can stay with your child at all times.

Your optometrist will then let you know if your child would benefit from glasses, or any treatments, and advise when to return for their next sight test.