Facing the facts about children's eyecare

Looking after your child's health is an important element of being a parent, yet when it comes to your child's eye health many families are seemingly in the dark. Here are some eye-opening points about children's eyecare that we want all parents to know:

• Children need more frequent eye tests because their vision changes more quickly as they grow. Every six months is recommended.

• Children's eyesight is fully developed at age eight, but can be examined by an optician at a much younger age - well before they can read.

• Only 10 per cent of parents know if their child's school offers a vision screening programme

• Eye tests for children are completely free at optician's

• Students in further education qualify for financial help for eye tests and to buy glasses or contact lenses.

• Children spend more time outside and, like skin, their eyes need protection from UV rays with the use of sunglasses.

"More than 630,000 youngsters started school in September," says O&C Optician, Nigel Oldbury, "but how many can see the whiteboard clearly and have the correct vision to learn? Without good eyesight a child's social and educational development can suffer."

In many cases, children with dyslexia can also be helped with the use of precision tinted spectacles and O&C owner, Jean Oldbury, specialises in this area.

"Children require premium and no glare lenses," adds Nigel, "to help with important daily tasks. We offer lightweight and durable lenses, which are also waterproof and won't scratch as easily." Adidas and Zoobugs sunglasses are available for children along with sports eyewear with wrap frames and prescription inserts. The latest intelligent photochromic lenses, Transition VI, now give maximum benefit for all lighting conditions.

O&C is committed to children's eye health and we are proud supporters of the Eye Know Eyecare campaign by Transitions.