Children's vision problems go undetected

Many children have undiagnosed vision problems because of poor awareness of screening facilities and a low uptake of NHS tests.

According to a new report, which is backed by the optical bodies, screening arrangements for children are failing and the authors recommend the government works more closely with the optical sector to promote the availability of NHS tests for children at high street practices.

The report quotes research from Aston University that reveals one in 20 six- to seven-year-olds has an uncorrected vision problem and by the age of 12 to 13 this figure rises to one in 10.