To mark World Sight Day, new analysis of UK eye tests data estimates that only around 5% of the total population of children aged five years and under had an eye test in 2025, despite optometrists and opticians recommending that children should be taken for their first regular eye test by the time they start school, from age three to four years old.
ABDO, Boots Opticians, the College and Specsavers have all come together to deliver a public awareness campaign on the importance of children receiving a full sight test before they start school, around three to four years old.
Online CPD courses for optometrists on the topic of children's eye care.
The College of Optometrists, Association of British Dispensing Opticians and the OSA partner in new campaign to raise awareness of the importance of children’s eye tests and better signposting for parents to children’s eye care professionals on the High Street.
The College’s Guidance for Professional Practice is the essential reference for optometrists in all work environments. It provides the support and guidance they need to make the right clinical and professional decisions in a range of situations, and to put their patient’s interests first.
Chris Steele FCOptom, new Clinical Editor of Acuity, on change as a positive factor
The clinical figures that count.
Eye health issues that are making the news.
Hyperopia can be associated with reduced vision and educational outcomes but is easily overlooked. Helen Bird discovers the importance of detecting and correcting it in children, and how to address the challenge of communicating the need to parents.
New research shows that only 30% of kids always wear sunglasses on sunny days and more than a third of parents believe a hat or cap offers the same protection as sunglasses.
Clinical files: Is a 6-year-old child too young for contact lenses?
Podcast: College Clinical Advisers Denise and Daniel talk to Simon Berry, an optometrist who owns and runs his own practice which specialises in working with people with autism and learning disabilities.
The public awareness campaign highlights the importance of childhood eye tests and features the findings of research conducted with Mumsnet users, the UK’s biggest network for parents.
The College of Optometrists was invited to provide evidence at the parliamentary hearing on The Safer Phones Bill, a private member’s bill aimed at protecting children’s rights and well-being in the digital age.
Jane Veys MCOptom on acronym ambivalence