Complete your back-to-school checklist with an eye test

Plymouth opticians are warning that children’s poor eyesight can cause learning and behaviour problems if left untreated.

As the summer holidays draw to a close, Specsavers Plymouth is raising awareness of the importance of good vision to children’s education.

Good eyesight is vital for children, with regular check-ups being the best way to spot any problems and treat them before they have an impact on the child’s education.

Dr Josie Forte, store director Specsavers Plymouth, says: ‘Poor eyesight can cause learning and behavioural problems, which might be blamed on other things. This is especially true for young children, who may find it difficult to explain the problems they are having with their eyesight.

‘They might not even be aware they have a problem at all. That’s why we recommend that all children have an eye test before they start school. They don’t need to be able to read – our opticians have lots of other ways to assess their eyesight.’

Problems such as squints or lazy eye (amblyopia) can be treated more effectively the earlier they are picked up. This can make a huge difference to a child and their education.

All children under 16, as well as those under 19 in full-time education, are entitled to an NHS-funded eye test every two years, or sooner if recommended by an optician, and a voucher towards the cost of glasses.

The Specsavers Plymouth stores offer a wide range of children’s glasses (including frames and lenses) for the value of the NHS voucher, and a number of designer frames, including Liberty London, Hype, Disney, Marvel and more.

For more information or to book an appointment at Specsavers Plymouth, please call 01752 253434.