As the summer holidays end and children prepare to return to school, we typically see an increase in activity across various retail sectors.
However, it’s noteworthy that the demand for children’s eye examinations often doesn’t align with the surge in demand for school uniforms, footwear, haircuts and so on. This discrepancy raises an important question: why isn’t eye health given the same priority as other back-to-school preparations?
Ensuring the best possible vision at the start of a new school year is just as important as the right shoes or haircut – but it’s a message that still seems to be overlooked. For those starting school, and for returning pupils alike, there’s clearly room to improve awareness. This was certainly obvious in the recent Mumsnet survey carried out on behalf of ABDO, the College of Optometrists and the Optical Suppliers Association. Through this collaboration, all three sector organisations continue to build on a number of projects designed to further consumer-facing engagement.
The findings of the survey were, though, quite clear: more than half of parents would take their child to a GP for an eye infection issue; 10 per cent felt it was only necessary to take their child to an opticians for an eye test if issues were flagged; and of those surveyed, more felt it was ‘very important’ to see the dentist than the optician.
This month’s upcoming National Eye Health Week (NEHW) (23-29 September) will no doubt provide a wealth of opportunities and resources to promote eye health within your local community – for all the family. Visit the NEHW website to find out more about the focus for this year’s campaign. And don’t forget to make use of ABDO’s Eyecare FAQ resources too.
Have you booked your place at the ABDO Clinical Conference at the National Resource Centre on 12 or 13 of October? The theme this year is dry eye, with an emphasis on the role of the dispensing optician. Visit the Events section of the ABDO website to book – with places now open to non-members.
Finally, members have until the end of October to nominate colleagues for an ABDO Award. These awards recognise those who have gone above and beyond in their dedication and service to the profession and Association. Further details can be found here.
I look forward to meeting members at next month’s Clinical Conference in Birmingham, and at various upcoming events as we move towards the autumn. If you would like to contact me, then please drop me an email at kgutsell@abdo.org.uk