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AOP spotlights back-to-school sight tests

Association of Optometrists has campaigned for parents to get back-to-school sight tests for their children as the new term begins.

The association recommended children were sight tested from the age of three, and at regular intervals as advised by their optometrist, in order to support learning and visual developments.

Children under the age of 16 were eligible for NHS funded sight tests and vouchers for the cost of glasses, according to the AOP.

Farah Topia, AOP clinical and regulatory adviser, said: ‘Unfortunately, many children may be unaware that they have vision problems, and in some cases, their parents, carers and teachers may be unaware of this as well. 

‘A child can appear to be disengaged or disinterested in their learning when, in reality, it may simply be that they cannot see clearly. This can lead to difficulties in school, and beyond, as uncorrected visual problems can also negatively impact the development of the visual system of a child.’