parents views needed regarding childrens eyecare

[optom]

Hi all, I'm a Mum of 4, (ages 9,4,3 and 8mths), and have just started studying at university reading Optometry. As a Mum I have personally found that other than the initial developmental checks given to my children when babies, there seems to be a lack of information given regarding when children should have eye tests and what to expect. I'm interested in finding out if this experience is just in my case, or whether other Mum's have found the same. If you could take the time to share your opinions I'd be very grateful as I would really value the chance to improve healthcare information to Mum's with children of all ages, if I can see a need to do so exists. Thank you all :)

oh yeah, not for little babies or toddlers. although I think if you took one to the optician they would tell you to see your GP, so you'd end up in the right place, hopefully!

Thank you brokenmarrow for that Hall 4 suggestion, interesting read :) Soupdragon I did take a look at the research section there. I thought I'd just post a loose thread though as anything seen here is not going to be used for any type of research whatsoever. I really just wanted to confirm whether or not my experience had been mirrored by any other parents and if so perhaps it would help guide me into proper research further into my degree. Sadly I am not nearly knowledgeable enough yet to conduct proper scientific research that would make a difference to public interest. Perhaps one day when I'm a bit more confident in the area of interest I'l be able to come to you parents in a more purposeful capacity with specific directed questions. :) Thank you to everyone who has been posting though, plenty of varied experiences and opinions. x

I don't remember any healthcare professional ever advising me to take ds to have an eye test, but as I'm short-sighted, I was always going to take him anyway. Think I asked my own optometrist when I should start taking ds.

ds really really wants glasses - they seem to be the height of cool at school - but takes after ds and has good eyesight.