Research reveals quicker diagnosis for kids with vision problems if they have eye test earlier

Three quarters of optometrists have seen children in the past year with vision problems that could have been better treated if they had been diagnosed earlier.

According to research by the Association of Optometrists (AOP), many children with myopia and amblyopia could have been diagnosed sooner if they had been for an eye examination at a younger age. Findings also highlighted that 24% of four to 16 year olds have never been taken by their parents for an eye test.

Clinical adviser at the AOP, Kevin Wallace, said: ‘Many parents don’t realise that their child can really benefit from having regular eye tests, from an early age. We recommend that children are taken for an eye test at around the age of three, or sooner if you have any concerns.’