1. LOOKING AFTER CHILDREN’S EYES Sight now for success later The importance of children’s eye health

2. CAN YOUR CHILD SEE CLEARLY?

3. DID YOU KNOW... Up to 1 million children in the UK currently have an undetected vision problem Many parents, teachers and children themselves may be unaware that something is wrong

4. HAS YOUR CHILD HAD A SIGHT TEST? Over 90% of children visit a dentist regularly Yet only 53% of children have ever had a sight test

5. WHY VISION MATTERS Good eyesight is crucial for a child’s development - at school and socially 84% of parents agree that improved vision would have a positive impact on their child’s performance at school The eye is still developing throughout childhood so problems treated early can make a difference that lasts a lifetime

6. SYMPTOMS TO LOOK OUT FOR Signs which may indicate sight problems include: Difficulty concentrating Behavioural problems Headaches Sitting too close to the television

7. VISION SCREENING AND SIGHT TESTS Vision screening is a short examination designed to pick up lazy eye, or amblyopia Screening can indicate that there is a problem but it cannot diagnose exactly what is wrong You may assume that your child will be screened at primary school however this does not happen in all areas of the country

8. A sight test is a more comprehensive check which can pick up many other conditions, including colour vision defects, binocular vision problems and the need for glasses Taking children for sight tests from an early age helps to build good eye health habits into adulthood We recommend that children have a sight test by the age of three, so that any conditions are picked up and treated early

9. WHAT CAN YOU DO? Make sure your child’s vision is checked before they start school Include a sight test in your ‘back to school’ routine After the first test it is advisable to return every two years or as recommended by your optometrist

10. WHAT CAN YOU DO? Encourage children to get outdoors – regular play and exercise can help with eye health – studies show two hours of outdoor activity a day is ideal for healthy eyes Help them to eat healthily, including oily fish and dark green vegetables, such as spinach and kale, and drink plenty of water

11. SUN PROTECTION Protect your child’s eyes from the sun – never let them look directly at the sun When choosing sunglasses, you should always ensure that they carry the CE or British Standard marks

12. INFORMATION Visit www.aop.org.uk/childrens-eye-health for more information about children’s eye health For more top tips for healthy eyes, visit www.aop.org.uk/patients Email childrenseyehealth@aop.org.uk Telephone 020 7549 2040/2063

13. THANK YOU Any questions?