Date: 11/1/2000 NEW CAMPAIGN TO IMPROVE LOCAL CHILDREN'S EYESIGHT Chepstow optometrist Andrew Millington has just launched a campaign to make local people more aware of the availability of free NHS sight tests for their children. They have produced a special "Young Eyes" leaflet which gives detailed information on looking after children's eyesight. What's more, they are offering the chance to win a quality mounntain bike in a prize draw. To enter, parents simply have to bring their children for a free sight test. "We recommend annual eye tests for all children", says optometrist Andrew Millington, "because a child's vision can change more quickly than an adult's. Yet it's often difficult for parents to spot the warning signs". Research sugests that one in five children has an undetected eye problem. These children may experiance learning difficulties at school, lose confidence and develop more slowly. Also, without early treatment, problems such as "lazy eye" can become permanent disabilities. "Good eyesight is every child's passport to the future", points out Andrew, "and an NHS sight test cost nothing. We also have a selected range of children's glasses called Young Eyes which are completely free." The practice has a wide range of frames designed to appeal to children. Many frames have soft nose pads for extra comfort and are available with virtually unbreakable polycarbonate lenses. For further protection, a special lens coating can also be applied which blocks out potentially harmful UV light. PRESS ARTICLE ON CHILDREN'S EYECARE Good eyesight is particularly important for children. If they have poor vision, they'll find it difficult to learn at school, play sports or develop enough confidence to reach their full potential. Indeed clumsiness and poor academic performance may be entirely due to a problem with their sight. Yet it is almost impossible for youn children to know if they have a visual defect and it can be difficult for parents to spot the signs. In fact research suggests that no less than one in five school children have an undetected problem with their vision. A child's eyesight can also change quite quickly, much faster than that of an adult. So all children should have frequent eye tests - at least once a year but preferably every six months. The first examination should take place before the child's first birthday and be followed by regular check ups. That way any problem can be treated well before school starts. A large proportion of squints, for example, develop before the age of three. It doesn't matter if children are too young to talk or read a letter chart. Optical practices have equipment which can detect visual defects at any age. Most children are fascinated by these tests and regard the whole process as something of a game. It costs nothing to have a child's eye examined under the NHS. Sight tests are free for all children under 16 and the NHS will also make a contribution to the cost of their spectacles. These days children's glasses are stylish and look good on young faces. Many have soft nose pads for extra comfort and sprung hinges to reduce the chances of breakage. Polycarbonate lenses are increasingly popular because they're virtually unbreakable. Remember that good vision is every child's pasport to the future. So even if nothing appears to be wrong, it is still important to ensure your children have regular eye tests. Back to the top