Parents need to get their children's eyes tested

Children’s eyesight is a precious thing and develops as they grow, but research from Boots Opticians found that more than 35 per cent of parents do not take their child for an eye test often enough.

Boots optometrist Carolyn Zweig says: “It is important to attend regular check ups. Children should be having their eyes tested at least once every two years – remember eye tests for children are free on the NHS.”

Problems with eyesight can affect a child’s learning as they may not be able to see a black or white board very well. If an optometrist has any concerns about a child’s eyesight they can see them more regularly.

Some of the problems with parents not getting their children’s eyes tested may stem from playground bullying when they were younger. Parents shouldn’t worry though, new research from Boots found that 74 per cent of today’s school children have no fear when it comes to wearing glasses and 64 per cent think wearing them now looks cool.

The old days of being ‘four eyes’ or ‘speccy’ are thankfully long gone, though 41 per cent of parents recalled wearing glasses as one of the top three reasons to be bullied.

Carolyn Zweig, finishes: “It is reassuring to know that children can enjoy wearing glasses without worrying about it will effect their popularity. Boots Opticians have a fantastic selection of funky and affordable children’s eye wear for all ages.

Perhaps opticians need to catch up with children and brush up on their phonics though.  Modern reading systems teach children to read through a phonic system rather than the alphabet code so they learn to associate a sound with a letter.

Dad of two, Mike Reynolds recalls an optician’s struggle to test his older daughter’s eyes. “He really struggled with the phonic system, especially with C and K as they sound the same. It was quite funny and I had to translate but he soon got the idea.”