Children’s eye care A guide for parents and carers

Association of British Dispensing Opticians Children’s eye care Pre-school vision screening NHS entitlement Squints and lazy eye Wearing glasses When not wearing glasses is harmful Learning difficulties Long-term problems Association of British Dispensing Opticians

Development, screening and routine reviews School health service offers advice and support throughout your child’s school years can help if you have concerns about your child’s health or development that may affect their education. supports school staff in meeting children’s health needs in school Eyesight and hearing tests are usually offered during the first year at school as well as a general health assessment, including height and weight. If you have any concerns, discuss these with the school nurse Association of British Dispensing Opticians

NHS eye care entitlement GOS sight test Over 60 Over 40 with family history of glaucoma Glaucoma Diabetes Exemption HC2 Complex lenses GOS test and voucher Under 16 Under 19 in full-time education Income support Some tax credits Some pension credit Association of British Dispensing Opticians

Association of British Dispensing Opticians Squint Strabismus Association of British Dispensing Opticians

Association of British Dispensing Opticians Lazy eye Amblyopia Association of British Dispensing Opticians

Association of British Dispensing Opticians Long sight Hypermetropia Association of British Dispensing Opticians

Association of British Dispensing Opticians Short sight Myopia Association of British Dispensing Opticians

Association of British Dispensing Opticians Astigmatism Association of British Dispensing Opticians

Association of British Dispensing Opticians Wearing glasses Children must be dispensed by, or under the direct supervision of, a registered dispensing optician or optometrist Wear specs as advised Glasses must fit well. Does your child look over the top of their specs? Go back for regular checks on the fit Choose an optician that always has someone available for adjustments and minor repairs Association of British Dispensing Opticians

When not wearing specs is harmful Children at risk of Amblyopia (lazy eye) Squint (strabismus) Anisometropia (different strength lenses) Astigmatism Long sightedness (hypermetropia) Myopia (short sighted) Withdrawal from long distance activities Association of British Dispensing Opticians

Association of British Dispensing Opticians Long-term effects Children who can’t see may experience: Poor attention span / disruptive behaviour Learning difficulties – could be labelled ADHD or dyslexic Poor educational achievement Poor hand-eye coordination Difficulty with / withdrawal from sport 70% of young offenders have uncorrected refractive error Lazy eye (amblyopia) Permanently dull vision in one eye Limits career choices (pilot, train driver, taxi, PSV, HGV… ) Association of British Dispensing Opticians

Can kids wear contact lenses? Yes - from any age Choose a paediatric contact lens specialist Child must be able to comply with the directions of the optician (with parental help if necessary) Disposable lenses are best Dailies are ideal for part-time wear Frequent prescription change easily accommodated at no extra cost Pay by direct debit including check ups (no NHS checks for lenses) Association of British Dispensing Opticians

Common childhood eye problems Conjunctivitis Foreign body Eye injury Blepharitis Allergic reaction Association of British Dispensing Opticians

Association of British Dispensing Opticians Over to you! Do you have any questions? Association of British Dispensing Opticians

Thank you for your attention Association of British Dispensing Opticians