Joe Ayling: Kids losing out in postcode lottery

As the schools break up for the summer holidays a new breakdown in child eye screening has been identified.

A College of Optometrists investigation in this week’s news shows councils cannot be counted on to provide vision screening at primary schools. But the ‘postcode lottery’ is nothing new and now instead of relying on public services the College has decided to go straight to the parents with its latest message to national media.

Its timing could not be better and while the local authorities who have not screened should hang their heads in shame, parents now have a six-week window to ensure their offspring can see the tennis ball, blackboard or Mr Whippy in front of them this summer. Unfortunately, many will wait until an accident has happened or learning issues appear before taking action – a reactive approach unthinkable in other areas of health such as the NHS vaccination schedule from birth.