24 September 2025

College partners with Eye Health UK to gift children's books to school-based nurseries

Children

New programme marks National Eye Health Week 2025 by sharing a special story about eye care with nurseries.

A new National Eye Health Week initiative from Eye Health UK and The College of Optometrists will see copies of the children’s book Topsy and Tim Have Their Eyes Tested sent to school-based nurseries across England this week, in a drive to boost awareness about the importance of routine eye tests for children. 

Nurseries receiving copies of the book, together with important information about NHS eye care services for children, are state-funded early-years providers situated in some of the most deprived areas of England. It’s hoped engaging children via these settings will support potentially disadvantaged youngsters and help close the eye health inequality gap. 

Throughout the book everybody’s favourite twins, Topsy and Tim, enjoy learning about why vision matters, what happens during a visit to the opticians and how wearing glasses can be cool! 

“Learning about looking after your eyes from a young age is incredibly important. We recommend parents and carers take children for a regular eye test every two years from the age of 3-4 years old, or as their optometrist advises. The Topsy and Tim story helps reassure children that going for an eye test is nothing to worry about and can be a fun experience."

Denise Voon MCOptom, College Clinical Adviser

“With one in five children in the UK thought to be living with an undiagnosed vision problem that could hamper their learning and development, it's important that we educate youngsters, their parents and carers about how to look after young eyes to ensure any issues are detected and treated early.”

“This book is a great way for early-years providers to teach children about their eyes as part of the EYFS statutory framework for promoting physical health and healthy habits.”

David Cartwright, Eye Health UK Chair

National Eye Health Week 2025

The books will be sent out during National Eye Health Week ready to help educate thousands of pre-schoolers, including the 4,000 new starters at the new or expanded nurseries announced by the Government earlier this month. 

National Eye Health Week takes place from 22 – 28 September and is designed to raise awareness of the importance of good eye care and plays an important part in promoting the role of community optometry in keeping Britain healthy. 

During seven days of intense activity, the campaign will educate people about how to look after their eyes and inspire them to take action to protect their vision and prevent avoidable sight loss in the future. Each day focuses on a different theme including: primary eye care services, children’s eye health, sports vision, eyes at work, ageing eyes and live well to see well. 

Visit the Vision Matters Resource Centre to download and share the campaign’s media assets to help spread the message with your patients.

Find out more

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