BACK TO SCHOOL PUT TO THE TEST
Getting your children’s eyes checked should be part of your post-holiday routine... issues can be revealed after a break from the classroom
MANY parents across Scotland are breathing a sigh of relief as children prepare to return to school.
Getting kids organised can be a busy time. A uniform, backpack and stationery are considered essentials for the school year, but have you remembered to book an eye test for your scholars?
Good eye si g ht is fundamental when children are learning.
Around one in five kids has an undetected vision problem and risks being at a disadvantage at school.
Martin O’ Neill, chairperson for Specsavers in Scotland, says :“We’ ll examine children at any age where parents might have observed something unusual or there’s a family history of eye conditions or wearing glasses from an early age.
DIAGNOSIS
“Otherwise, we’ d recommend all children have their first eye examination by no later than three years old so we can rule out the presence of any eye conditions.
“Around 80 per cent of everything a child learns is through their vision, so even a minor problem with a child’s sight has the potential to affect their development at school.
“But, if diagnosed early, conditions such as lazy eye and squints can be rectified before they become permanent.” It’s easy to let things like an eye examination slip past but booking an appointment is simple – and it’s free in Scotland.
And with a huge range of frames available which are free on the NHS, there’s bound to be a pair your child will love.
ADVENTURE
Sarah Freel, director of Specsavers Sauchiehall Street, says: “Specsavers has been looking after children’s eyes for more than 30 years.
“For most children their first visit to the opticians is an adventure, while others can be unsure of the process.
“That’s why we have invested a great deal of time and care into tailoring the examination process to ensure every child is comfortable and enjoys their visit.
“We put kids at ease by simplifying things and we always encourage them to ask questions and feel involved.
“Depending on the child’ s age, we use pictures rather than letters.
“We also use small , specially designed frames and cards to check for everything from astigmatism to colour blindness, as well as overall health and wellbeing of the child.”
SPOTTING PROBLEMS
For parents it can come as a shock to learn their little one’s eyesight isn’t as good as it should be.
Problems sometimes become apparent when children start reading or studying for long periods of time after a break. Tests are so important, and they look at much more than vision – the eye can reveal other health issues. Specsavers has also partnered with Thomson Screening to introduce software to schools across the country. The thre e- minut e screening test, designed to be operated by teachers, can detect common eye problems, and a report is generated for children to take home.