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