Why childrens eye tests are the smart choice
Post on 22nd May 2024
As parents, we all want our children to thrive in school, absorbing knowledge and growing into confident individuals. Yet, for some children, the educational journey can be fraught with challenges, hindering their progress and dampening their spirits.
Have you ever considered that some of these struggles might stem from undiagnosed vision problems?
According to the Department of Education, over 1.5 million school-aged children in England could be living with undiagnosed sight issues. This staggering statistic underscores the importance of regular eye tests for children, which are conveniently free on the NHS. As experts in eye care with 85 years of experience, we at Scrivens Opticians stress the significance of prioritising your child’s eye health. Here’s why:
Early Detection of Vision Problems: Children’s eyes continue to develop until around the age of eight, presenting a critical window for intervention. Regular eye tests enable the early identification of vision issues like myopia (short-sightedness) or amblyopia (lazy eye), which can profoundly impact learning and development if left untreated. Timely intervention can mitigate these effects, preserving your child’s learning experience and overall wellbeing.
Academic Performance: Visual presentation accounts for an estimated 80% of what children learn in school. Consequently, poor vision can significantly impede academic performance, leading to challenges including low self-esteem and behavioural issues. Routine eye tests ensure any vision-related problems are promptly addressed, empowering children to achieve their academic potential.
Eye Health: Beyond assessing vision, comprehensive eye exams evaluate overall eye health, detecting conditions such as amblyopia and strabismus (crossed eyes). Early detection and treatment are pivotal in averting long-term complications and preserving healthy vision for your child’s future.
Digital Eye Fatigue: With the popularity of digital devices, children are increasingly susceptible to eye strain and computer vision-related issues. Regular eye tests can identify symptoms of eye strain or dryness, offering interventions to alleviate discomfort and promote healthy visual habits.
Prescription Updates: Children’s eyes undergo rapid changes, necessitating regular updates to their prescription glasses or contact lenses. Outdated prescriptions can cause eye strain and hinder visual development, underscoring the importance of routine eye tests.
Be Vigilant: Between appointments, parents should remain vigilant for signs of potential vision issues, including headaches, eye strain, and poor hand-eye coordination. With one in four children harbouring undiagnosed vision problems, it’s crucial not to overlook these warning signs.
In summary, regular eye tests for children are indispensable for identifying and addressing vision problems early on, promoting optimal eye health, supporting academic success and nurturing overall wellbeing.
Ensuring your child’s vision is tip top lays the foundation for a bright and successful future. Take advantage of the NHS’s free eye examinations for children under 16 or 19 in full-time education and prioritise their visual health today for a better tomorrow.
If you have any concerns about your child’s eye health or you simply want to book them in for an eye test, you will find help and advice on our website or alternatively visit your local Scrivens branch.
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