The College of Optometrists

02 June 2006

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One in four parents has never taken their children for an eye examination – an indication of the lack of priority they place on their kids’ vital senses.

Research published today (9 May, 2006) by the College of Optometrists reveals half of Britain’s parents care more about their children’s education than they do about the health of their eyesight.

Also 13 per cent of mums and dads think their children’s fitness, teeth and clothes are more important than their vision. In Scotland, the Borders and Yorkshire, only a third (30 per cent) of parents believe their children’s eyesight is more important than their education.

Half of parents don’t take their children for regular check-ups. Of these, 51% say they never take their children for a sight test. When asked why, one in four parents said they thought their children’s eyes were examined by an expert at school when in fact this rarely the case. Around one in five parents (22 per cent) believe their children’s eyes are ‘fine’ and they don’t need an eye examination.

Around a third of parents (35 per cent) have no real idea when their children need to have their eyes examined, with one in five incorrectly believing that children need to be able to read in order to have an eye examination. 11 per cent said children’s eyes should be examined only when they start squinting or if they say they can’t see clearly. In reality, all children should have an eye examination by the time they start school.

Kevin Lewis, President of the College of Optometrists, argues that parents need to reassess their priorities: “Eyes are one of our children’s most important senses and it’s paramount parents understand the importance of looking after them. We know a good education is vital, but if a child can’t see properly, they won’t achieve their full potential at school.

“Unfortunately, proper eye examinations carried out by an expert are rarely given in schools now, so ideally parents need to ensure their children see an optometrist before they start school. Just because parents don’t think their child has a vision problem, doesn’t necessarily mean that’s true. Parents should watch out for signs that there may be problems. These include instances where children’s eyes appear not to work together, if they rub their eyes often or if they seem to shut one eye to see more clearly. But lots of eye problems can be difficult to detect with the untrained eye and unless spotted early, can cause significant problems at school and in later life.

“Ask your optometrist at what age he or she would recommend you take your child to see them. You will find a qualified optometrist on virtually every high street who is able to examine your children’s eyes. There is no charge for children under 16 to have their eyes examined under the NHS, so we want parents to take note and make sure they look after one of their child’s most valuable assets.”