Exam Fever

The Christmas and New Year festivities are now over for another year. If you have teenage children in fourth, fifth or sixth year thoughts are probably turning to the imminent prelim exams. I have noticed an upsurge in the number of teenagers who have suddenly started reading in preparation for the forthcoming exams and who are now struggling due to previously undiagnosed reading problems. These can be simply not seeing clearly when reading or can be more complex and can include losing their place when reading or unable to comprehend what they are reading.

Sadly children with reading problems are frequently ignored by the education service and are poorly understood by many in my profession. One in five school children have some form of reading problem which can make studying extremely hard work and very tiring. Not exactly what is wanted just before exam season.

There is much more involved in reading than simply having light accurately focussed on the back of the eye, which is what glasses are typically prescribed for. As we have two eyes these must work well both individually and together. Many of the youngsters I see at this time of year have problems maintaining clear comfortable vision when reading or using a computer or smartphone. They often find print very uncomfortable to look at despite wearing glasses.

All children should have regular eye examinations which should include a detailed assessment of reading skills and how well both eyes work together. For lots of teenagers the next few months at school can be life changing. We owe it to our children to help them achieve to their maximum potential in life. Basic eye examinations for children are funded by NHS Scotland and automatic help towards the cost of glasses is available from NHS Scotland.