Amersham eye expert urges parents to prioritise early eye tests for children
Experts warn long term problems can arise if children's eyes are not tested from a young age
Parents across the UK are being urged to prioritise regular eye examinations for their children, including in Buckinghamshire.
Experts warn that delays in testing can lead to permanent vision problems which are often preventable if caught early.
A Children’s Eye Health Report revealed that 1 in 10 parents only take their child for an eye test if a problem arises, while 18% wait until their child is at least five before arranging a first check-up.
Additionally, over half of parents surveyed (53%) said they would visit their GP for an eye infection, rather than consulting an optometrist.
Henry Leonard, Head of Clinical and Regulatory at the Association of Optometrists, said: "Unfortunately, not all parents are aware of just how important regular sight testing is for children. It's especially important to pick up these things early because we can treat them more effectively."
He recommends that children begin having routine eye tests from around the age of three.
"From then on, it might be every year or every six months, depending on what the optometrist recommends," he said. "What many parents don't realise is that there's a window of opportunity up to about the age of eight or nine, and that's when we can still treat children if their vision hasn't developed properly."
If this window is missed, Dr Leonard explained, children with eye problems could live with permanently reduced vision in one or both eyes, affecting their education, social development, and even career prospects.
"It could prevent them from doing certain jobs or even learning to drive when the time comes," he said.
The report also highlighted a need for improved information for parents.
Dr Leonard said: "Optometrists are really underutilised in primary care. Obviously GPs do a fantastic job, but they're not eye experts.
"Optometrists have done all this training and have the equipment to examine people's eyes really thoroughly.
"An optometrist really ought to be the first port of call for anyone with an eye problem."
Many eye conditions in children, such as when the eyes aren’t working together properly, can be difficult to detect without a professional examination.
"A lot of children just assume that whatever they can see is normal," Dr Leonard explained. "In many cases, it's just that the child needs a pair of glasses to help the eyes develop normally. In some cases they might need more specialist treatment such as eye patching."
Dr Leonard encouraged parents to bring children for a test from as early as three, even if the child cannot yet read.
Eye tests are free for children under the age of 16 and are simple and pain-free.
Experts say ensuring early and regular check-ups is key to safeguarding long-term vision and reducing unnecessary strain on NHS services.
For more information, resources are available at www.aop.org.uk.