The research by Mumsnet found that parents were more likely to say that dental check ups were ‘very important’ for children (89% of users) compared to eye tests (79%) - despite the fact that being able to see clearly is important for a child’s overall development, and that the earlier eye problems are picked up, the better the outcome is likely to be.
The survey also found that nearly a tenth of parents (9%) saw no reason to take their child to the optometrist unless they have cause for concern - despite eye care experts recommending that children should start going for annual eye tests at an optical practice from the age of around three. These are free on the NHS for all children under the age of 16, as well as for teenagers aged 16 to 19, provided they are in full-time education.
I work in a secondary school as a teaching assistant and am always surprised by the amount of students that complain they can't read the board yet don't have glasses and have never been tested. Also, there are students who do have glasses, but refuse to wear them in school.
There was also confusion amongst parents with regards to school eye tests. One in five did parents not know whether school eye tests were the same as eye tests carried out at optical practices. School eye tests are basic vision screenings, while eye tests carried out at optical practices are comprehensive evaluations of both vision and eye health. As such, school vision screenings do not replace the need for eye tests at optical practices.
Rhiannon Evans, Mumsnet’s Head of Communications, said:
"It's clear from what Mumsnet users have told that there is a huge amount of confusion around children's eye health, and while dental check-ups are a priority, eye tests often aren’t. Our survey shows that many parents are confused about when and where to seek eye care for their kids, and they would welcome clearer information and better access to support. It’s essential that families receive the guidance they need to look after their children’s vision”.
This confused parental view of eye care comes at a time when childhood myopia is increasing, with half of the population expected to be myopic by 2050. Apart from the social and educational problems caused by poor vision, there are longer term aspects which are not widely known. Even low levels of myopia predispose a person to serious ocular conditions later in life, particularly in relation to detached retina, cataracts and glaucoma. Worryingly, a fifth of our respondents didn’t know how the progression of myopia could be slowed down, e.g. through spending enough time outdoors, and wearing myopia control eyewear.
The survey was commissioned by the UK optical community – the Association of British Dispensing Opticians, the College of Optometrists and the Optical Suppliers’ Association. The group has concerns about a lack of a cohesive plan for eye screening for children, as well as low levels of awareness of the importance of children's eye care among parents. They hope to bring about change in these areas, using the results from this study.
Survey of 1,008 Mumsnet users, Dec 2024/Jan 2025