New report reveals children’s eye health confusion
Optical sector bodies commissioned research project with Mumsnet
Nearly one in 10 parents or carers (nine per cent) will only take their child for their first visit to the optician if and when an eye health or vision issue arises, reveals a new Children’s Eye Health Report by 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 eyecare advice and treatment.
More than half (53 per cent) of surveyed parents would go to straight to their GP for an eye infection issue, and over a third (34 per cent) would go to their GP for an eye discomfort issue instead of seeking advice at their local optician’s. One in 12 parents (eight per cent) 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 opticians practice.
Better signposting to eyecare professionals on the high street would prevent parents making unnecessary appointments with their GP, as eyecare professionals based at local opticians practices can offer specialist eyecare advice and, in the majority of cases, manage the condition without further referral.
Denise Voon, clinical adviser at the College of Optometrists, said: “It’s not surprising that many parents are confused about when and where to go for children’s eyecare. 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 three to four years old every one to two 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 eyecare, and to always include advice about how and why parents and carers should take their child for regular eye tests in the ‘red book’.”
Misinformation about children’s eyecare
The new report has also revealed that many parents believe misinformation about eyecare: more than one in four parents and carers (28 per cent) polled in the Mumsnet survey incorrectly believed that eye exercises could help slow the progression of short-sightedness (myopia), and one in five (20 per cent) believed it was legal to buy children’s prescription glasses online.
Max Halford, ABDO clinical and policy director, advised: “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 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.”
Roy Stoner, OSA chair, commented: “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 nine million monthly users provides us with an unrivalled overview. We are all optimistic that this can be used to address the worrying levels of confusion.”
Busting children’s eye health myths
The report includes the following ‘myth-busters’ on children’s eye health:
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 eyecare 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 is registered with the General Optical Council, 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 10 (nine per cent) 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 per cent) survey respondents thought this was true or wasn’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 opticians 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 opticians every one to two years, or as advised by their optometrist.
Blue light filtering glasses help keep children’s eyes healthy. FALSE
Over one in 10 (12 per cent) 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.