The President of the European Sunglass Association Rod Lane has called on the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) to develop a national policy to make the use of sunglasses compulsory in schools.
Responding to reports that in some cases UK schools have banned sunglasses from being worn anywhere on their premises, even in playgrounds, Lane commented: 'Before a child turns 18, they will have absorbed half of the UV rays that they'll absorb in their lifetime, which is why children's eyes are even more susceptible to sun damage. Children should be allowed to wear sunglasses in school to preserve the health of the nation's eyes.'
Current DCSF guidance to schools on school uniforms does not mention the use of sunglasses and there is no legislation governing the issue. A DCSF spokesperson told Optician that 'school uniform policy is decided by individual headmasters.'
Comparing the situation in UK schools to that of Australia, where some schools have even gone as far as making sunglasses a compulsory part of school uniform, Lane said: 'Australia is leading the way in terms of sun protection and we should follow their example. Just as the population is encouraged to put on sun-tan cream to protect against harmful radiation, children should be encouraged to wear sunglasses as often as possible.'
