29 April 2025

New research shows parents confusion around their child’s eye health

Children

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.

Nearly one in ten parents or carers (9%) will only take their child for their first visit to the optician if and when an eye health or vision issue arises. This is revealed in a new Children’s Eye Health Report by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO), The College of Optometrists and the Optical Suppliers’ Association (OSA). 

The three organisations came together to commission research with 1,008 parents on Mumsnet to explore parents’ awareness of the importance of children’s eye tests, eye health and the support they can expect. 

The report reveals that UK parents are confused about when and where to go for children’s eye care advice and treatment:

  • Over half (53%) of surveyed parents would go to straight to their GP for an eye infection issue and over a third (34%) would go to their GP for an eye discomfort issue instead of seeking advice from their local optician's
  • 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 eye care professionals based at local optician’s practices can offer specialist eyecare advice and in the majority of cases manage the condition without further referral.

“It’s not surprising that many parents are confused about when and where to go for children’s eye care. The children’s health record, known as ‘the red book’ and parents’ handbook for children’s health and development, doesn’t currently include information or advice about children’s eye health and eye tests.

“While 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. This is especially important if there is a family history of needing glasses but is advisable for all children. We’re calling for the national health and care services across the UK to better signpost parents to their local opticians as their first port of call for eye care, and to always include advice about how and why parents and carers should take their child for regular eye tests in the ‘red book’.

Denise Voon MCOptom, Clinical Adviser at The College of Optometrists

Misinformation about children's eye care

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. 

“If, following an eye test, your child is recommended glasses then remember that children aged under 16 can only have their glasses dispensed by an optometrist or dispensing optician registered with the General Optical Council (GOC) or by people and students working under their supervision. If your child is prescribed glasses, dispensing opticians are the experts on hand to help choose the most appropriate frames and lenses to maximise their vision.”

Max Halford Clinical and Policy Director, ABDO

"We have reached out to the most significant platform for parents and carers to learn more of their experiences and concerns about their children's eyesight.  The five years of data mining all optically related conversations amongst the 9m monthly users provides us with an unrivalled overview.  We are all optimistic that this can be used to address the worrying levels of confusion.”

Roy Stoner, OSA Chair

Busting children's eye health myths

  • Eye exercises can help slow the progression of short-sightedness in children. FALSE
    This is not true. Most visual problems are a result of the shape and development of the eye, and exercises won’t affect this. Parents should always ensure children wear their prescribed glasses or contact lens to correct their myopia and follow the advice of their eye care professional.
  • Buying glasses and contact lenses online for children under the age of 16 is legal. FALSE
    Children aged under 16 can only have their prescribed glasses dispensed by an optometrist or dispensing optician who are registered with the General Optical Council (GOC), or people and students working under their direct supervision. This is to ensure children receive the best possible care from qualified registered health professionals.
  • Children need to be able to read before they can have an eye test. FALSE
    One in ten (9%) parents and carers surveyed were unaware that children don’t need to be able to read to have an eye test. It is also possible to find out whether a child has healthy eyes or needs glasses without asking them any questions during their eye test.
  • School vision screenings are the same as full eye tests carried out at an optician's practice. FALSE
    Over one in five (21%) survey respondents thought this was true or weren't sure. School vision screenings are an important programme, but the test is not as comprehensive as the free children’s NHS eye tests carried out by an optometrist at an optician’s practice, and it is not offered in some parts of England. Parents and carers should ensure their child attends both the school vision screening, where it is offered, and also attend regular eye tests at the optician’s every 1-2 years, or as advised by their optometrist.
  • Blue light filtering glasses help keep children’s eyes healthy. FALSE
    Over one in ten (12%) parents surveyed thought that these glasses support children’s eye health. While blue light filtering glasses are effective at reducing the amount of blue light emitted by digital screens from entering the eyes, the best scientific evidence currently available does not support the use of blue-blocking glasses or lenses to improve visual performance, alleviate the symptoms of eye fatigue or visual discomfort, improve sleep quality, or conserve children’s eye health.
  • Spending time outdoors and eating plenty of fruit and vegetables can help support healthy eyes. TRUE
    Eating a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, including dark green leaves, is good for children’s general health and may support good eye health. 

    Scientific studies have shown that children who spend sufficient time outdoors are less likely to be or become short-sighted. It’s recommended that children spend around two hours outside per day.

More information and resources

Related news

The College of Optometrists welcomes the new community-based approach to health care in England
New models of care Workforce

Nominations now open for Research Excellence Awards 2025
Research

Over half of parents don't fully protect children's eyes in the sun
Children Public health

Related further reading

The contact lens management of congenital and infantile cataract

This OiP article looks at fitting contact lenses to treat children with a variety of conditions.

Cataract Children Contact lenses

Ophthalmic complications of premature birth: the optometric perspective

This article aims to prepare the optometrist for the ocular and refractive problems associated with premature birth.

Children

Unravelling misunderstandings around cataract care

A response from the College regarding concerns about the integrity of optometrists referring cataract patients to independent sector providers.

Cataract Policy Referrals Workforce