Long-sighted DS missed at school screening

[aciddrops]

I've just been told by the optician that my 7.5 yr old DS is very long sighted. I was quite taken aback as he had a eye screening test in reception and nothing was flagged up.
Should this have been noticed in the screening test? I feel so frustrated that he has been struggling with reading and writing all this time when he could have been helped with glasses.

There may have been no problem then.

I take it you haven't noticed an issue until recently?

Can you remember the numbers eg + 4 or -3 etc ... I would be interested to know just what they call 'very' longsighted ?

Did you not take him to the optician every year? Most kids are longsighted anyway, and lots grow out of it.

There might have been no problem then.

What made you take him to the optician now?

But reception was at least 2/3 years ago. He vision might well have been ok then. Have you not had him tested since then? As another poster said, children are prone to being short sighted, what's his prescription?

they are supposed to get an eye test annually. did you not take him to the optician yourself after the reception test?

have checked nhs and it says test at least every 2 years

In my practice we normally test children every year.

my 2 get tested annually but nhs does say at least every 2 years

That is me told then! I don't know what his prescription is yet as he needs another test. He has problems with 3D vision as well.

I had no idea there was anything wrong with his eyesight, I only took him along with his brother for a test because his bro complained of headaches. He has never complained of not being able to see things.

If you should have tests every 2 years, then I'm not wildly out with leaving it 3 years.

I think your experience simply highlights the need for regular eye checks for children. Just because nothing was picked up 3 years ago does not mean there is no further need for regular checks; as you have discovered. I hope you - and he - find that reading becomes less of a struggle for him once he has his glasses.

My son was seen by the opthamologists at a big childrens hospital up until 18 months when his sight was deemed within normal ranges. After his pre school check he was reffered back to opthamology where he is now being closely watched and expected to need glasses in the next few years.

Eye sight changes so quickly it is best to keep on top of tests.