{"id":42596,"date":"2025-04-10T11:08:24","date_gmt":"2025-04-10T11:08:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mylocaloptician.co.uk\/?p=23183"},"modified":"2025-04-10T11:08:24","modified_gmt":"2025-04-10T11:08:24","slug":"greater-awareness-of-childrens-vision-care-is-urged-by-the-profession","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bedotdev.com\/mylocaloptician\/greater-awareness-of-childrens-vision-care-is-urged-by-the-profession\/","title":{"rendered":"Greater awareness of children\u2019s Vision care is urged by the profession"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Greater awareness of children\u2019s Vision care is urged by the profession<\/p>\n

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\n<\/u>Greater attention needs to be given to children\u2019s vision, believes the profession, as a recent survey by Mumsnet reveals that visits to the optometrist are lower down the agenda than dental visits.\u00a0 It found that 9% of parents saw no reason to take their child to the optometrist unless an issue is flagged up as a cause for concern.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mumsnet,<\/strong> the social media platform used by nine million parents each week, reflected on a comprehensive review of five years of parental and carer conversations about children\u2019s vision and eye health, along with the subsequent survey of 1008 people from its national group –<\/p>\n

“It’s clear from what Mumsnet users have told that there is a huge amount of confusion around children’s eye health, and while dental check-ups are a priority, eye tests often aren\u2019t. Our survey shows that many parents are confused about when and where to seek eye care for their kids, and they would welcome clearer information and better access to support. It\u2019s essential that families receive the guidance they need to look after their children\u2019s vision.\u00a0 Our survey demonstrates the desire for parents to do the best they can for their children,\u201d said Rhiannon Evans Mumsnet Head of Communications and Public Affairs.<\/p>\n

The needs for regular visits to the dentist scored10% higher than the need for regular optometrist appointments, even though children are eligible for free eye examinations on the NHS while in full time schooling.<\/p>\n

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Increasing childhood myopia<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

This relaxed parental view of eyecare comes at a time when childhood myopia is increasing, and with half of the population expected to be myopic by 2050.\u00a0 Apart from the social and educational problems caused by poor vision there are longer term aspects which are not widely known.\u00a0 Even low levels of myopia predispose a person to serious ocular conditions later in life, particularly in relation to detached retina, cataracts and glaucoma.<\/p>\n

The survey was commissioned by the UK optical community \u2013 the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO), the College of Optometrists and the Optical Suppliers\u2019 Association (OSA). The group has concerns about a lack of a cohesive plan for screening children.<\/p>\n

Confused picture for parents<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The data mining and survey revealed a confusing picture where parents are seeking clear guidance on:<\/p>\n

*If regular school screening takes place<\/p>\n

*If myopia screening in school is adequate<\/p>\n

*When a child should first be seen by an optometrist<\/p>\n

*Where to go for issues with the child\u2019s vision or eye health<\/p>\n

*Understanding about myopia control<\/p>\n

Health visitors, parents, grandparents and carers are being urged to recognise the importance of regular eye examinations when a child is aged between three and four, or earlier if there are concerns, and thereafter, at regular intervals.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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Myopia Management<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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With a broad spectrum of dispensing options available \u2013 in both glasses and contact lenses – to manage the development of myopia, parents are seeking guidance.\u00a0 The vast majority of respondents feel myopia management treatments should be freely available:\u00a0 83% believe both tooth decay and short-sightedness treatments should be fully funded by the NHS.<\/p>\n

In the open comments section of the survey \u2013 which gathered an unprecedented level of engagement for a Mumsnet survey – many referred to the sacrifices they are having to make to fund myopia control eyewear:<\/p>\n

\u201cMy son wears myopia management glasses and\u00a0we are hopeful that he won\u2019t get eyesight as bad as mine. We have been able to afford this pair but I worry about future glasses and I\u2019d love to be able to afford a spare pair. Because his main glasses are myopia glasses and his prescription sunglasses are not, we tend to over prioritise the glasses even on sunny days. I\u2019d prefer to not have to do this.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Busy A&E Departments<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The national survey also revealed that the majority of parents would take their child to often busy hospital A&E departments rather than a High Street practice in cases of an optical emergency.<\/p>\n

Sun Protection and Sports Eyewear<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Ignorance about protecting children\u2019s eyes from strong sunlight was also an issue highlighted, with just 35% of children who need glasses having prescription sunglasses. \u00a0Even fewer have prescription swimming goggles (13%) or prescription sports eyewear (6%) to encourage their involvement in sport and team activities.<\/p>\n

In the open comments, cost was mentioned as a barrier to getting children prescription sunglasses\/goggles:<\/p>\n

“The question about whether my child needs prescription sunglasses, prescription swim goggles etc – yes, of course she does. However, at a \u00a3100 each, it would be prohibitive.”<\/em><\/p>\n

Others commented \u2013<\/strong><\/p>\n