Children missing out on eye exams

Parents face a battle persuading their children to attend an eye exam, according to latest findings by independents group Sight Care.

Research commissioned by the group, in collaboration with sponsor Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, showed a third of parents did not know their child’s eyes should be tested annually.

It also found that 33 per cent of parents said going to the opticians was a particularly hard battle they faced with their children.

Marcella McParland, director professional affairs UK and Ireland for Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, said: ‘A third of parents have noticed their child struggling to read or write because of their eyes, and 47 per cent of parents said their child’s concentration levels improved as a result of having their vision corrected with spectacles and/or contact lenses. Recommending contact lenses to younger patients who need vision correction should be part of every opticians consideration, as many parents are often unaware their children are suitable to wear them.’